In cricket, where there is Pakistan, there is controversy. Selections, axing, and bias are normal to hear. But when the issue comes to the safety of players and fans, it needs to be taken seriously. Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau has received intel regarding a potential plan to kidnap foreigners who are present in Pakistan to support their teams in the ICC Champions Trophy.
ICC Champions Trophy amidst terror plot
The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is looking to collect ransom from those attending the first ICC event in Pakistan since 1996. The intel shares that ISKP plans to go after Chinese and Arab nationals specifically, but such news means that all foreigners need to be informed and must stay on their toes.
The terrorist outfit plans to stay on the outskirts of the three cities hosting the ICC Champions Trophy: Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. They will choose locations that don’t have video surveillance and aren’t easily accessible. Such safety and security threats are exactly why the Indian government advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to not send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan.
One mustn’t forget seven of the eight teams that have qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy will play at least one match in Pakistan. Even the second semifinal will be hosted in Lahore, and the final may be played in Pakistan if Team India doesn’t qualify.
Latest Cricket News
- MS Dhoni, the wicketkeeper, makes 3 out of 3 stumpings amid all the noise over batting position
- “Out-of-form” Nitish Rana conquers Guwahati with 81-run blitz, repays Rajasthan Royals’s trust
- Sanju Samson blows another chance to go past Abhishek Sharma & Jaiswal in race for T20 World Cup spot
Cricket’s darkest day
No one can forget the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team when 12 gunmen opened fire on the tourists team bus. The attack injured several cricketers, and the lives of six security men and two civilians were taken as well. It was the darkest day in cricket history. For many years, no team travelled to Pakistan because of it.
Such a threat takes one’s mind directly there. The hope is, nothing of the sort happens ever again. But this news will force all the cricket boards to ensure player safety and the embassies to ensure the safety of individuals currently in Pakistan.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
MS Dhoni, the wicketkeeper, makes 3 out of 3 stumpings amid all the noise over batting position
Top Stories
