The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is running excitedly, which Pakistan is hosting along with the United Arab Emirates (only for India matches). However, the tournament is under a big threat after a serious warning for foreigners has been issued by the Intelligence Bureau.

See Also: Pakistan's Champions Trophy Qualification Scenarios

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan hosting ICC tournament after more than 28 years

Pakistan is hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and it is the first time for Pakistan to host an ICC tournament since the 1996 World Cup. So, it is a very crucial tournament for Pakistan to prove the safety of the country.

Due to political issues and safety concerns, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to not travel to Pakistan. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) fought hard to ensure the BCCI safety of the players and travellers, ultimately, the hosts’ board had to shift all Indian matches in the tournament to Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. All other participating teams are playing in Pakistan, except for their fixtures against India, which they have to travel to the UAE.

Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau issues warning for foreigners

While the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 started already and we have experienced five matches, including three games in Pakistan, Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau has issued a serious warning of potential threat to foreigners. According to media reports, the Intelligence Bureau report suggests that the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is planning to kidnap foreigners attending the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for ransom. The group is especially targeting Chinese and Arabians and reportedly has close monitoring of the places where foreigners can seen frequently, like at ports, airports, official, and residential areas.

The Intelligence Bureau report suggests that the group has a plan to rent in the outskirts, avoiding camera surveillance and majorly accessible by rickshaw and motorcycle. The group is planning to kidnap foreigners between safehouses at night to avoid security forces. 

Afghanistan's intelligence agency (GDI) has also issued a similar warning, which makes the fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 doubtful.