Less than a month before the 2024 T20 World Cup begins, a grave threat looms over the event. The tournament, scheduled from June 1 to June 29, has received a terrorist threat, specifically targeting the games planned in the Caribbean. Reports suggest that the threat may have connections to Pakistan.
Island's Prime Minister Keith Rowley has confirmed that national security agencies are actively addressing the situation. The threat has prompted heightened security measures across the region. According to the Barbados regional security officer, a pro-Islamic State group has initiated a campaign to incite violence during the sports event. Furthermore, the Afghanistan-Pakistan branch has also released a video message urging its supporters to join the attack wherever they are.
Caribbean media outlets have reported that the threat information was disclosed by Nashir Pakistan, a media group linked to the Islamic State group.
Matches in the United States are safe
This year, the T20 World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States and the West Indies. The matches in the United States, including a high-profile game between India and Pakistan in New York, are believed to be safe from threats.
"We work closely with authorities in the host countries and cities, and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event," CWI CEO Jonny Graves told Cricbuzz.
"We want to assure all stakeholders that safety and security of everyone at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place," he added.
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