The T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan on June 9 in Nassau County, New York, will feature unprecedented security measures because of the possibility of a terror attack in the city, despite the state governor Kathy Hochul’s insistence that it is not credible “at this time.”
India’s three matches in the tournament proper will be held at the Eisenhower Park Stadium in Nassau County. On June 1, the Indians will take on Bangladesh in a practice match.
In order to protect the safety of the crowds, state police have been instructed by Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State to increase security.
“In preparation for the World Cup my team has been working with federal & local law enforcement to keep attendees safe. While there is no credible threat at this time, I’ve directed @nyspolice (NYPD) to elevate security measures & we’ll continue to monitor as the event nears,” Hochul said in a post on X.
New York officials are implementing safety measures “after terror group ISIS-K made a global threat earlier this year” in anticipation of the World Cup, according to a CNN report.
Commissioner Patrick Ryder of Nassau County Police said on Wednesday that an ISIS-K-affiliated threat was received in April regarding the event.
“That was followed by more specific threats on the India versus Pakistan game, scheduled for June 9, and references to a viral video circulating online, which calls for ‘that lone wolf to act out’,” according to the report.
“I can guarantee you this. This is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you this – the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9th will be inside that stadium,” Ryder said in that report.
According to Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, the mega-event is akin to “Super Bowl on steroids” and is expected to attract large numbers of foreign visitors.
Teams from all around the world are expected to arrive. Fans from all over the world will be visiting Nassau County, and we have been getting together regularly for more than six months to discuss security and medical issues that might come up at an event of this size.” “Every threat is taken seriously by us. Every threat has the same protocols,” Blakeman stated.
Blakeman also mentioned how the county’s security measures are coordinated with those of federal partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
“To that end, we have taken many, many precautions as well as making sure that the arena and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe,” he stated.
The team captained by Rohit Sharma will start the campaign against Ireland on June 5 and then face Pakistan on June 9 in a high-stakes match.
On June 12, the team will play the hosts, the USA.
When Trinidad’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley first disclosed the event’s terror threat, the ICC retaliated by claiming that strong security measures were in place to guarantee the event’s seamless operation.
“Our top priority is ensuring everyone’s safety and security during the event, and we have a thorough and effective security plan in place.
“We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event,” said the International Criminal Court.
