The Pakistani Intelligence Bureau has raised a high alert, issuing a warning to security personnel about an apparent scheme by "active covert groups" to kidnap foreign visitors coming to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to blackmail money. The notice creates new suspicions regarding the country's security readiness to host the elite cricket championship.

Intelligence agencies have identified several terror groups, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS, and some Balochistan-based organizations, as possible threats, sources informed CNN-News18. Pakistan's security forces have then deployed high-level protection teams, sending rangers and local police to secure players, officials, and support staff.

Pakistan hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a big achievement for its cricketing history. But this latest warning has set off fears over the country's capability to secure international events, especially since it has a history of security failures. 

It has consistently overlooked attacks on foreign nationals in the past, such as the 2024 attack on Chinese engineers in Shangla and the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, events that continue to raise questions about its preparedness for security.

India's stand on security concerns

India had previously declined to visit Pakistan for the tournament on security grounds. Therefore, India's Champions Trophy games will take place in Dubai, and the move has set the cricket fraternity abuzz. Considering that India has historically dominated the competition, their withdrawal from Pakistani stadiums is viewed as a big news item, geopolitical tensions and security being at the heart of it all.

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 already underway, Pakistan's security is under scrutiny to see that the tournament goes on smoothly, with the world watching intently.

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