The ICC is playing down fears of a terrorist threat at next month’s T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies, following reports that Islamic State encouraged the attacks.
- ICC downplayed fears of terror threat to T20 World Cup
- The tournament is jointly hosted by the West Indies and the United States.
- There were reports that Islamic State encouraged attacks at the event.
The ICC has played down fears of a terrorist threat to next month’s T20 World Cup following reports that Islamic State encouraged attacks on the tournament, jointly hosted by the United States and the West Indies .
As the threats circulated on social media, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley told Trinidad’s Daily Express: “Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism in its many and varied expressions constitutes an ever-present danger in the world of the 21st century.
“Since bad actors can choose to behave badly in any way possible, it is virtually impossible to completely block all opportunities.”
“However, in order to mitigate these dangers, we at local and regional levels have remained alert to numerous threats and, individually or together, our intelligence and other security agencies are working to protect the population in countries and on sites throughout the tournament.”
England will play all their matches in the Caribbean, starting June 4, and will travel to Barbados, Antigua and – if they qualify for the Super Eight stage – St Lucia and possibly St Vincent . The semi-finals will take place in Trinidad and Guyana, and the final in Barbados.
ICC played down fears of terror threat at next month’s T20 World Cup
Keith Rowley (right), the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, said the danger was everywhere
The ICC and Cricket West Indies have not confirmed that the threat came from Islamic State, whose propaganda channel, Nashir-e Pakistan, is said to have encouraged attacks on sporting events.
But in a joint statement, the ICC and CWI said: “We work closely with authorities in host countries and cities, and continually monitor and assess the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate the risks identified for our event.
“We want to assure all stakeholders that the safety and security of everyone at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is our number one priority and that we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place.”
The ECB declined to comment.
