India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match: ISIS-linked outfit threatens attack, New York on high alert

New York will enhance security measures for the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup in June, particularly for the India-Pakistan match, following reports of potential threats. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on X that her team is collaborating with federal and local law enforcement to ensure attendee safety, stating that there is “no credible threat at this time.”

“While there is no credible threat at this time, I’ve directed @nyspolice to elevate security measures & we’ll continue to monitor as the event nears,” the governor said. The India-Pakistan game scheduled for June 9 at Eisenhower Park stadium in Nassau County, New York. The T20 Cricket World Cup will be held from June 1-29. Matches will be played in nine stadiums across the West Indies and the United States. In the inaugural match, hosts United States take on Canada.

Despite no credible threat being identified, heightened security measures will be implemented. An NYPD bulletin, cited by ABC News, cited pro-ISIS propaganda specifically mentioning the India-Pakistan match. The online post is said to be linked to an ISIS splinter group, the Washington Post reported.

The NYPD Intel Bureau’s assessment indicates that extremists may see the Cricket World Cup in Nassau County and related events in NYC as potential targets for violence or disruption. This concern is based on recent propaganda and past incidents targeting large sports venues. The assessment was disseminated to regional law enforcement agencies.

Although no plots have been detected, law enforcement is taking precautions to ensure safety. The 34,000-seat stadium is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators globally. This will be the first time the Cricket World Cup is hosted in the US.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, as cited in the report, stated that security preparations have been underway for nearly seven months. The threats received since April initially referenced a broad international threat from ISIS-K and later became more specific, though not pinpointing the location. Ryder emphasized that all threats are treated seriously, with around 100 additional officers to be deployed at the park. Enhanced security measures will include metal detectors, and spectators will only be allowed to bring clear bags for medical purposes.

India holds on to the top spot

Heading into the T20 World Cup, India holds the top spot in the ICC men’s T20I team rankings with 264 rating points. India, the inaugural T20 World Cup winners, are favored as they enter the tournament. The West Indies, two-time champions, are in fourth place, having recently moved up after a 3-0 win over South Africa, pushing the latter to seventh.
Australia, the 2021 champions, are second with 257 points, followed by defending champions England with 254 points. The West Indies are close behind with 252 points, while New Zealand holds 250 points. Pakistan and South Africa both have 244 points, with Pakistan slightly ahead on decimal points.

T20 World Cup format

The tournament will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups.

Group A – India, Pakistan, Canada, Ireland, United States (hosts)
Group B – England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman.
Group C – New Zealand, West Indies (hosts), Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, Uganda
Group D – South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal.