According to a report by Cricbuzz, Cricket West Indies has allegedly received a terrorist threat from pro-Islamic State (IS) media sources located in northern Pakistan, just prior to the commencement of the 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in the United States and the West Indies next month.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have moved to reassure the public, emphasizing that the safety and security of all involved individuals remain their foremost concern, in response to concerns regarding a potential terrorist attack.
In response to reports of a potential terror threat, the International Cricket Council (ICC) emphasized their close collaboration with authorities in host countries and cities to ensure the safety of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, stating that they continuously monitor and assess the global landscape to mitigate any identified risks.
Similarly, Cricket West Indies assured stakeholders that the safety and security of everyone involved in the T20 World Cup remains their top priority, affirming the presence of a comprehensive and robust security plan.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced collaborative efforts between Caricom and security agencies to address potential threats to the tournament, as reported by Trinidad’s Daily Express. Additionally, security officials in Barbados are actively monitoring potential threats to the upcoming event.
T20 World Cup in US and West Indies
The T20 World Cup, scheduled between June 2 and 29, will span various Caribbean nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as several locations in the United States such as Florida, New York, and Texas. No terrorist threats have been identified in the US venues thus far.
Safety Assurances Amid Terror Threats for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Jonny Graves, CEO of the CWI, underscored the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, emphasizing their close collaboration with authorities in host countries and cities. This assurance comes in light of reported terror threats, with pro-Islamic State (IS) media sources inciting violence against sporting events, including the T20 World Cup, as highlighted in a statement.
The International Cricket Council echoed this sentiment, releasing a statement reaffirming the safety measures in place for the tournament. Graves reiterated the CWI’s dedication to prioritizing safety and security, emphasizing the comprehensive security plan implemented for the event.
Reports indicate that regional security officials in Barbados are actively monitoring potential threats to the ICC event, with intelligence suggesting a potential threat from the pro-Islamic State (Daesh) media group ‘Nashir Pakistan.’
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup fixtures, India is set to commence its campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 5, 2024, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9, 2024, at the same venue. India’s schedule also includes matches against the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15, respectively.
India finds itself in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. The team’s debut match against Ireland in New York marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting tournament, with anticipation particularly high for the India-Pakistan showdown.
Various Caribbean islands, including Barbados, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, are slated to host T20 World Cup matches, contributing to the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of the tournament.
