By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Security has been significantly bolstered ahead of the first T20 World Cup match at a temporary stadium in New York, with police snipers positioned at strategic locations around the venue. The 34,000 seat stadium in Eisenhower Park will host its inaugural match of the tournament on Monday, featuring South Africa against Sri Lanka at 15:30 BST.
The Nassau County Police Department will spearhead an extensive operation to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the matches held at the Long Island ground from 3-12 June. A particularly high profile fixture is scheduled for 9 June, when India faces Pakistan.
There have been reports of a pro ISIS group threatening to target the tournament, prompting heightened security measures including SWAT teams equipped with specialist snipers and plain clothes officers inside the stadium. Nassau's police force has collaborated with the New York Police Department, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies in preparation for the event.
"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," stated the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a communication to us. "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."
To counter the potential threat of drone attacks, the parkland surrounding the stadium will be closed to the public on match days. Attendees will undergo thorough searches and pass through airport style security scanners before entering the venue.
Last week, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman described the security measures as comparable to the Super Bowl but "on steroids." The temporary stadium, constructed at a cost of £24 million ($30 million), will be dismantled after the tournament, and the land will be returned to Nassau County.