Security has been stepped up and police snipers will be patrolling for the India vs Pakistan match in New York following threats to the T20 World Cup by pro-ISIS groups.
Police will also provide round-the-clock security to prevent the stadium being vandalised by protesters who want to target the match.
India will play Pakistan in front of a crowd of 34,000 at Eisenhower Park outside New York on June 9. Last week, a group supporting ISIS posted an image on social media of a hooded man holding a gun with the date of the India-Pakistan match and the caption “You are waiting for the match… and we are waiting for you.”
Nassau County Police responded by beefing up security at the venue, putting SWAT teams on standby, deploying plainclothes officers in the crowd, and deploying expert snipers.
To reduce the drone threat, roads around the grounds will be closed and land near Eisenhower Park will be cordoned off.
Security is always tight when India and Pakistan play each other and due to political tensions between the two countries, the two teams only meet in ICC tournaments. This will be the most highly-anticipated match of the tournament and is set to be one of the great matches in the world of sport.
“This is the greatest security we’ve ever had to do in the history of our county,” Nassau County Police Chief Patrick Ryder said. “I can also guarantee you that on June 9th, this will be the safest place in Nassau County.”
In a statement, the ICC said: “The safety and security of all event participants is our top priority and we have implemented a comprehensive and robust security plan. We are working closely with host country authorities and continually monitoring and assessing the global situation to ensure that appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any identified risks to the event.”
