T20 World Cup: What USA’s security arrangements are like for India vs Pakistan and other matches (2024)

Advertisem*nt

The 2024 T20 World Cup has USA playing co-hosts with West Indies, making it the biggest cricketing event to ever take place on American soil. While there have been quite a few international matches that have taken place in the United States in the past, this will be the first World Cup taking place in America, the first mega event featuring the world’s leading cricketing nations.

T20 World Cup 2024:News|Schedule|Points Table

Security is a major issue for nations hosting an event of the scale of a World Cup, be it any sport or any format, and it is no different for the Caribbean and the United States as far as the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup is concerned.

The US, in particular, is taking extra precautions for hosting the biggest cricketing event on its soil to date and the same was evident during Saturday’swarm-up match between India and Bangladeshin New York.

Fan incident at India-Bangladesh warmup

During Bangladesh’s chase of the 183-run target set by India, a fan decided to jump fence and run towards India skipper Rohit Sharma at the Nassau County International Stadium, which was hosting its first competitive match after its inauguration on 15 May.

What followed thereafter was swift American justice at its finest: Thefan getting rugby-tackled by a couple of officersof the New York Police Department (NYPD), with more officers making their way to the centre and arresting the trespasser. Rohit initially tried to move away from the charging fan but later began to show concern.

Also Read |Pant’s grand return in Indian colours and other takeaways from IND vs BAN warmup

Pitch invasions are a fairly common sight in cricket matches across the world, but the sight of a fan getting pinned to the ground and getting arrested isn’t something one would witness in England, Australia, South Africa or even in India and the rest of the subcontinent.

What are the security arrangements in place for the India-Pakistan match?

If that was the police response in a warm-up match, one can only imagine what the security will be like for group matches that will take place in New York City starting with Monday’s Group D clash between Sri Lanka and South Africa.

The United States, and especially New York, is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring adequate security cover for T20 World Cup matches that it will be hosting, with a special emphasis on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and the rest of the Indian squad.

The most crucial assignment for the NYPD will be the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash that takes place on 9 June, with multiple reports of security threats to the marquee clash coming from militant organisations such as ISIS. The Long Island authorities additionally, received a threat of a “lone wolf attack” taking place during the match for which tickets had been sold out well in advance.

New York governor Kathy Hochul recently posted a statement on X, saying there was “no credible threat” to the mega event at the moment and that her team was working with federal and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of players, fans and others involved in organising the event.

In preparation for the @cricketworldcup, 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 to elevate security measures & we’ll continue to monitor as the event nears.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 29, 2024

Hochul, additionally, had directed the New York State Police to engage in “elevated security measures”.

“I have also directed the New York State Police to engage in elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes. Public safety is my top priority and we are committed to ensuring the Cricket World Cup is a safe, enjoyable experience,” Hochul said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Also Read |India aim to end ICC title jinx, Windies eye redemption as cricket takes a leap of faith into US market

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, meanwhile, stated that the police cover that they will be having in place for the upcoming group matches including the Indo-Pak clash is the “largest in the county’s history”, adding that they will be adding 100 additional officers to their normal staffing for the rest of the county as a precaution.

“As well as making sure that the stadium and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe, the parking areas are safe, the watch areas are safe, we also are adding 100 additional police officers to our normal staffing for the rest of the county, just as a precaution,” Ryder told CBS News.

“We will go through every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here in Nassau County,” Ryder said.

“I can guarantee you this is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9 will be inside that stadium," he added.

The Nassau County International Stadium will be hosting eight matches in the 2024 T20 World Cup including three matches involving the Men in Blue. The last of those matches will be USA vs India on Wednesday, 12 June. All the matches at the venue will be starting at 10.30 am local time, which will make for a suitable 8 pm prime time slot in India.

Top Shows

Related Stories