Security concerns regarding foreign nationals attending the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have reportedly prompted heightened vigilance among Pakistan's security forces as of Monday, February 24. An India Today report indicates that the Pakistan Intelligence Bureau has issued a warning regarding a potential threat from the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which is allegedly planning to abduct foreigners attending the tournament for ransom. The report suggests that the terror group is likely to focus on Chinese and Arab nationals, and has already commenced surveillance at various locations, including ports, airports, offices, and residential neighborhoods.

Additionally, Afghanistan's intelligence agency (GDI) has reportedly issued a warning regarding possible ISKP attacks, according to the same report.

A separate report from CNN-News18 stated that an alert has been raised concerning several terrorist organizations, including Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS, and other groups based in Balochistan, for similar reasons.

In response, Pakistan's security forces, including rangers and local police, have mobilized to deploy protection teams in areas deemed likely to be targeted. Security measures for players and support staff have been intensified in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, the three cities designated to host the Champions Trophy matches.

Why India said no to travelling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Security threats associated with cricket tournaments are a longstanding issue in Pakistan. A significant incident occurred in 2009 when a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus resulted in injuries to a notable Sri Lankan Test cricketer and an ICC Elite Panel umpire, leading to a decade-long absence of international cricket in Pakistan. During this period, the national team was compelled to conduct the majority of its home matches in the UAE. It was not until 2019 that major cricketing nations began to return for bilateral series in Pakistan.

The Champions Trophy 2025 marks the first ICC tournament that has been exclusively awarded to Pakistan since the country last hosted an ICC event in 1996, during the ODI World Cup co-hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. However, certain matches of the Champions Trophy were relocated to Dubai after India declined to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.

The other six participating teams—Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—are scheduled to play at least one match in Pakistan. All matches in Group B, which includes Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan, will take place in Pakistan; however, the semi-finalist from this group, who is set to face India, will need to travel to Dubai.

In the meantime, both former and current cricketers have begun to voice their discontent regarding the ICC's decision to implement a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. They argue that this arrangement provides India with an unfair advantage, as they are the only team competing in all their matches at a single venue.

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