T20 TERROR
ISIS calls for attacks on T20 World Cup cricket tournament held in New York and across US in terrifying warning
The terror threats on cricket's biggest tournament come as the Champions League has been under threat as well
TERROR threats have cast a shadow over the 2024 T20 World Cup set to kick off in New York next month.
The T20 World Cup will be held in the United States and West Indies between June 2 and 29.
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The tournament will be based in Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.
In the United States, Florida, New York, and Texas are host locations for the World Cup.
Ahead of cricket's biggest event, Cricket West Indies reportedly received an ISIS terror threat from pro-Islamic State media in Pakistan.
The International Cricket Council and CWI have assured that a "comprehensive and robust security plan" is active for the event.
Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley confirmed that security agencies in the West Indies were monitoring terror threats.
"Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism in its many and varied expressions is an ever-present danger in the world of the 21st century," Rowley said.
"It is against this backdrop that all nations, like our region, when hosting large or vulnerable gatherings, make an extra effort in national security preparations and response readiness to take seriously, all threats, expressed or implied.
"Given the fact that bad actors can choose to misbehave in any way possible it makes it virtually impossible to completely seal off all opportunities.
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"However, in order to ameliorate these dangers, we at the local and regional levels have remained alert to many threats and singularly or together have our intelligence and other security agencies working to protect the population in countries and at venues throughout the tournament."
The ICC and CWI are working to quell fears of terrorism as the event draws closer, and released a joint statement assuring that the World Cup is secure.
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"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," the statement said.
"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."
So far, no terrorist threats have been identified for events on American soil.
The threats on the T20 World Cup come as the Champions League in Europe faces similar threats from ISIS.
A terrifying poster was released threatening three German cities, Berlin, Dortmund, and Munich.
Text on the graphic said "Then score the last goal," in front of a soccer pitch, seemingly referencing the Champions league games.
UEFA recognized the threats on the day of the Champions League games, saying they were aware and working with authorities.
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.
ICC and CWI statement on terror
They reported they were "closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues with appropriate security arrangements in place."
ISIS has increased its presence in Europe in recent weeks, especially after the attack in Moscow that killed over 140 people.
France raised its terror level to the highest level after the attack, and London and Paris are expected to beef up security as they are set to host the Champions League final and the Olympics this summer.
Meanwhile, the United States has reaffirmed its dedication to defeat ISIS.
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"We continue to work closely with the international community to address the ISIS threat," Major General Patrick Ryder said on Thursday.
“When it comes to ungoverned spaces like Syria, we're going to continue to stay focused, number one, on the defeat ISIS mission, but we're also going to maintain awareness of broader regional threats as we work with allies and partners.”
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