T20 World Cup 2024: Police snipers to be deployed for games in New York

Security has been tightened before the first T20 World Cup match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, including deploying police snipers at secret locations around the ground.

On Monday, June 3, Sri Lanka and South Africa are set to collide at the stadium built in just 103 days, with a seating capacity of 34,000. Nassau County Police Department will supervise a huge operation to ensure the matches held at the ground in Long Island between June 3-12 are organised without mishap.

The stadium is set to host the mouth-watering India versus Pakistan clash on June 9. This encounter, featuring two long-standing rivals, is the most high-profile match in the group stage by a distance.

Also Read: 'It is a bit soft, the guys could feel that on the hamstring and the calves' - Rahul Dravid assesses Nassau County Cricket Stadium facilities

A pro-ISIS group has reportedly threatened to target the tournament. It is understood that security measures will include SWAT teams having specialist snipers. Plain clothes police officers will also be on duty inside the stadium.

"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 to BBC Sport.

"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 cricket governing body added.

The park land surrounding the ground will remain closed to the public on the eight match days to counter the potential threat of a drone attack. Cricket enthusiasts attending the matches will have to go through thorough checking and airport-style security scanners will also be used before they are allowed entry. Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman stated last week that security would be "like the Super Bowl" but "on steroids".

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: New York beefs up security ahead of India vs Pakistan tie

The India versus USA clash on June 12 will be the last match hosted by the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in the T20 World Cup. Built at a budget of US$30m, the picturesque stadium will be dismantled afterwards and the land returned to Nassau County.