Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, has disclosed a terror threat aimed at the T20 World Cup in the Americas, stirring concerns ahead of the tournament set to commence on June 1. The event, boasting the participation of 20 teams including cricketing powerhouse India, will unfold across nine venues, with six stationed in the West Indies.
Rowley's revelation underscores a specific focus on security in the West Indies, particularly during the Super 8 stage, semifinals, and the grand finale slated for June 29. Despite the unsettling news, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured stakeholders of a "comprehensive and robust security plan" to counter any potential risks.
In response to the situation, an ICC spokesperson emphasized the organization's top priority: the safety and security of all involved. The ICC reiterated its collaboration with host country authorities and ongoing monitoring of global security dynamics to tailor precautionary measures accordingly.
Rowley echoed the sentiment, pledging intensified efforts in national security preparations to quash the perceived threat. Notably, the tournament's West Indies leg spans various Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, the United States will host matches in Florida, New York, and Texas.
Of particular interest is the high-profile clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled for June 9 at New York's venue. Cricket West Indies has assured stakeholders that stringent security protocols are in place to safeguard participants and spectators alike.
As the countdown to cricket's most anticipated showdown begins, all eyes remain fixed on the ICC's assurance of a fortified security apparatus to navigate potential risks and ensure the smooth execution of the T20 World Cup in the Americas.
