The governor announced on Wednesday that New York will increase security for the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup in June, following reports of threats, particularly in relation to the India-Pakistan match.
Governor Kathy Hochul posted on news, saying there was “no credible threat at this time” and that “my team has been working with federal & local law enforcement to keep attendees safe” in advance of the @cricketworldcup.
According to an advisory from the New York City Police Department, which News quoted, extremists may see the tournament and its associated activities in NYC as a chance to carry out violent or disruptive acts.
“Recent pro-ISIS propaganda which specifically referenced the upcoming India-Pakistan match at this major event … raises concerns and reinforces the need for heightened vigilance”.
Commissioner Patrick Ryder of Nassau County Police said that threats about the India vs. Pakistan match at the World Cup were more targeted and came from an ISIS-K-linked source in April.
One of the most watched sporting events worldwide is the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, who haven’t played a bilateral series in a few of years because of bad political relations.
In a statement, Hochul said that the New York State Police had been instructed to step up their enforcement, monitoring, and screening efforts in preparation for the competition.
Tests, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20s are the three formats of cricket; Twenty20s is the newest. From June 1 to June 29, nine stadiums—six in the West Indies and three in the United States—will host matches for the ninth T20 World Cup.
