Champions Trophy: Chances of Kidnapping of Foreign Travellers: Pakistan IB
NEW DELHI, Feb 24: Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau (IB) has reportedly issued a high alert after uncovering an alleged plot by “active covert groups” to kidnap foreign guests arriving for the ongoing cricket matches for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Except for India, all the other seven teams are playing their matches in Pakistan and if India fail to reach the final, the summit clash will also be played in the country. However, according to media reports, an alert has been issued against a number of terror outfits “including Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS and other Balochistan-based groups” after warnings regarding alleged abduction plots. The report added that the security forces “have deployed high-level protection teams, including rangers and local police.”
Security has been one of the biggest concerns when it comes to international sporting events in Pakistan, especially after what happened with the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009. While the Indian team refused to travel to Pakistan for the event, the PCB claimed it put in extra measures to ensure full security for other travelling teams.
In response to the intelligence warning, Pakistan’s security forces have deployed high-level protection teams, including rangers and local police, to ensure the safety of players and their accompanying staff. According to reports in local media, a whopping 12,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed during matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The roster will include 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, 1,200 upper subordinates, 10,556 constables, and over 200 female police officers.
Other than security personnel, the PCB has also arranged the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s national carrier, to have special charter flights for fans and the participating teams available. These flights will reportedly operate between Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore to ensure smooth transportation for players and other high-profile guests throughout the tournament.
Pakistan is hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking a significant milestone for the country’s cricketing landscape. However, concerns are now growing large about the country’s ability to host high-profile international events.
Pakistan has a history of downplaying attacks on foreign nationals, with incidents like the 2024 attack on Chinese engineers in Shangla and the 2009 assault on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore raising concerns about the country’s security readiness for hosting international events.
(Manas Dasgupta)
