Ahead of the first match at the newly constructed stadium in New York, police snipers were deployed following threats from pro-ISIS groups. Earlier, the same stadium which is set to host India vs Pakistan has received a ‘Lone Wolf‘ threat.
The Police have positioned police snipers at covert locations around the ground which has a capacity of 34,000 viewers. The newly constructed venue in Eisenhower Park will host its first match of the tournament on Monday when South Africa faces Sri Lanka at 15:30 BST.
A pro-ISIS group has reportedly threatened to target, the tournament. Notably, India and Pakistan will play the high-octane game here on June 9.
It is understood security measures will include SWAT teams with specialist snipers. Plain clothes police officers will also be operating inside the ground.
Nassau’s police force has worked in conjunction with the New York Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Department Of Homeland Security and other agencies in the build-up to the tournament.
“The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.
“We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event.”
The park land surrounding the ground will be closed off to the public on the eight-match days to counter the potential threat of a drone attack.
The CBS report also quoted Ryder on the measures being undertaken to ensure safety, which include Eisenhower Park being closed from 6:30 AM to roughly 6 PM, with the police reopening the area once fans leave for the day.
In addition to that, the spectators will have to go through metal detectors to enter the stadium grounds and won’t be allowed to carry bags/drones and non-VIP ticket-holders.
The parking at Eisenhower Park will also be limited to VIP ticket holders; others will be able to park near the Nassau Coliseum, which is about a half mile away.
Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman said last week that security would be “like the Super Bowl” but “on steroids”.
Sri Lanka Squad: Kusal Mendis (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage
South Africa Squad: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin
