The upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to take place from June 2 to 29, will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. However, a recent terror threat from North Pakistan against the tournament has caused concern among organizers and fans alike.
Cricbuzz reported that the threat mentioned campaigns inciting violence against sporting events by Pro-Islamic State (IS) media sources, including video messages from the Afghanistan-Pakistan branch, IS-Khorasan (IS-K). Despite this threat, Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Jonny Graves has assured everyone about the safety measures in place.
Graves mentioned that they work closely with authorities in the host countries and cities to monitor and evaluate any potential risks. The safety and security of all participants at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is their top priority, with a comprehensive and robust security plan in place.
Additional reports in Caribbean media have highlighted further security measures being taken. Trinidad Prime Minister Keith Rowley discussed plans by security agencies to address any threats to the matches. Regional security officials in Barbados are also monitoring potential threats to the event, with intelligence received from Pro-Islamic State (Daesh) through the media group ‘Nashir Pakistan.’
Matches for the T20 World Cup are scheduled to be held in various Caribbean islands, including Barbados, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Despite this reported threat, organizers are taking every precaution to ensure the safety and security of all involved in the tournament.