Threat of attack at the T20 World Cup, organizers cautioned. The Caribbean authorities have received information regarding a threat of attack in the West Indies during the T20 World Cup. The Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group has communicated this threat through social media, according to Caribbean Impact.
From June 1 to 29, West Indies and the United States will jointly host the T20 World Cup. In this tournament of 20 teams, six Caribbean countries will play finals, semi-finals, and most matches. Cricket West Indies (CWI) has stated that the organizers have taken detailed security measures to counter any potential attack.
The news of the terrorist threat at the T20 World Cup was first brought to light by Barbados-based CBC (Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation). In a report last Friday, it was stated that the pro-Islamic State media group “Nashir Pakistan” has published posters through Telegram and RocketChat channels, threatening an attack in the West Indies during the T20 World Cup.
This information was gathered by Caribbean Impact’s monitoring. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley, chairman of the subcommittee on security for cricket, responded to queries about the threat of attack in the Daily Express of Trinidad. He said, “We are locally and regionally vigilant to mitigate these risks. Our security agencies are working singularly and jointly to ensure the safety of people traveling to and within the country and venues.”
Among the Caribbean countries participating in the World Cup are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados is expected to host the final, and Trinidad and Guyana are likely to host the semi-finals.
To learn more about the ISIS threat, contact Cricket West Indies, said CWI CEO Jonny Graves, emphasizing their commitment to security. “We are working closely with the host countries and cities and regularly monitoring and evaluating the global situation to ensure any risks are mitigated.
We want to assure all stakeholders that ensuring everyone’s safety and security at the T20 World Cup is our top priority. Detailed and robust security plans are in place.”
When contacted by ICC on behalf of the cricketers, CWI’s statement mentioned the cricket governing body. The upcoming T20 World Cup outside the West Indies will be held in New York, Florida, and Texas in the United States.
The inaugural match will be played on June 1 between the United States and Canada in New York. The final match in Barbados is scheduled for June 29.
