ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Karachi Blast exposes Pakistan's security in front of the World, India's visit gloomy

Karachi Blast: Pakistan’s hopes of hosting the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been severely dented by the latest blast in Karachi. This incident has almost shut the doors on India’s arrival to Pakistan for the upcoming prestigious tournament scheduled in February-March next year.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was making sure and praying not to have any mess in the country that can ruin their dream of hosting the top teams of the world in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. But this “terror attack” could seriously jeopardize Pakistan’s chances to host the mega event.

Terror attack in Karachi puts PCB's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting dreams at risk

According to several media outlets, a deadly explosion near Karachi's Jinnah International Airport shook Pakistan on Sunday (October 6) night, leaving two Chinese nationals dead in the Karachi Blast and over 10 people injured.

The Karachi blast deemed a suicide attack, targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a critical power project in Sindh province.

The Chinese embassy in Pakistan condemned the incident, labeling it a “terrorist attack." The nationalist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), infamous for its violent campaigns against Chinese interests in Pakistan, boldly claimed responsibility.

#WATCH | At least three foreign nationals died while 17 others sustained injuries in a huge explosion near Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, reports Pakistan's Geo News.

(Video: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/qrJdStV9F7

— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2024

In a chilling declaration, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) revealed that their suicide squad, known as the Majeed Brigade, carried out this attack with Shah Fahad as the perpetrator.

The militant group stated that they "targeted a high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors" arriving from Karachi airport, which is not good news for the PCB.

The Chinese embassy vows to "severely punish the murderer" after Karachi Blast

According to Reuters, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed that the Karachi blast was carried out using a "vehicle-borne improvised explosive device" around 11 PM local time. And the Chinese embassy vowed to "severely punish the murderer"

Notably, the Chinese embassy stated that the engineers involved were part of the Chinese-funded Port Qasim Power Generation Co. Ltd., which is working on the construction of two coal power plants at Port Qasim, located near Karachi.

Meanwhile, after this “terror attack” in Karachi, PCB would certainly find itself in deep trouble when it comes to hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

While seven participating nations gave the green signal, India is reluctant to visit Pakistan for the mega ICC event, and now this latest blast has almost sealed the fate of the Men in Blue’s participation in the tournament.

Champions Trophy 2025 participating nations could reconsider their decision to travel to Pakistan following the Karachi Blast

Well, other cricket boards might reconsider their decision to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 after this devastating act of violence. But following this terror attack, the Indian government is highly unlikely to give clearance to Team India to travel to Pakistan.

This can also lead the ICC to intervene in the matter with the other participating nations, expecting to raise the matter in the next meeting, and it will be interesting to see how the PCB convinces the board about the players’ security in Pakistan.

Notably, the England cricket team is already in Pakistan for the three-match Test series, starting on Monday, October 7, in Multan. The PCB has yet to comment on the attack and its impact on their chances to host the Champions Trophy 2025 earlier next year in Pakistan.