T20 world Cup Logo. (Source -ICC)
The highly-anticipated ninth edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA. In a shocking turn of events, reports have emerged of the West Indies receiving terror threats ahead of the marquee event.
The upcoming T20 World Cup is going to be the biggest of its kind as 20 teams will be taking part in it. A total of 55 matches are going to be played across 28 days. The excitement among the fans is at an all-time high, as they are counting the days to the commencement of the showpiece event. However, the latest reports surrounding the much-awaited competition are concerning.
According to a report from India Today on Monday, May 6, co-hosts West Indies have received a terror threat from North Pakistan. However, Cricket West Indies (CWI) informed the public that all safety precautions have been put in place. According to a reliable source familiar with the development, the Caribbean islands have been warned of possible terror risks originating from North Pakistan. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to get underway on June 1 and will culminate with the summit clash on June 29.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining close communication with relevant authorities. Continuous evaluation of security measures is underway to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any identified risks,” stated the source.
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The threat has been attributed to IS Khorasan, adding to the gravity of the situation. The ‘Daily Express’ quoted Trinidad Prime Minister Keith Rowley as saying that security services had procedures in line to deal with any threats to matches.
According to the article, “the Barbados regional security officials are monitoring potential threats to the ICC event” as well as “intelligence of a potential threat to the World Cup has been received through Pro-Islamic State (Daesh) through the media group ‘Nashir Pakistan’.”
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The West Indies will host World Cup matches in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, USA cities like Florida, New York, and Texas are set to host the games. The big-ticket clash between age-old rivals India and Pakistan will be held in New York on June 9. However, there is no sign of a threat to the games in the United States. The two semifinals will take place in Trinidad and Guyana, with the final scheduled for Barbados.