Police Snipers at Nassau Cricket Stadium
Security has been beefed up at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York for the deployed snipers around the venue.
The first international match will be played between Sri Lanka and South Africa on Monday. Prior to this, security has been tightened at the venue. The Nassau County Police Department is closely monitoring the matches to be held at this ground between June 3-12 to ensure that they are conducted without any incident. Eisenhower Park will host eight matches of T20 World Cup, including the tournament’s blockbuster match between India vs Pakistan on June 9.
Before the start of this tournament a pro-ISIS group had threatened to target the T20 World Cup, in view of which tight security has been put in place. Apart from snipers and also be deployed inside the ground.
In addition, four drop-in pitches are being monitored 24 hours a day by officers of the force’s Narcotics Division. In this lead-up to the competition, the Nassau Police Force has worked closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Department of Homeland Security. New York Department and other agencies.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement to BBC Sport, “The safety of everyone at the event is our first priority and we have a robust security plan in place. We are worked closely with are prepared to deal with any threats”.
Strict rules have also been implemented near the ground to reduce any potential threat of drone attacks on match days. Fans will be searched before entering the stadium and will have to pass through airport-style security scanners before entering the stadium.