Terror Threat Looms over T20 World Cup in West Indies From North Pakistan: Report

The threat stems from North Pakistan and involves pro-Islamic State (IS) elements inciting violence against sporting events

Digital Desk: Less than a month before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway, Cricket West Indies (CWI) is dealing with a potential terror threat to the global event it is set to co-host alongside the USA. As per media reports from the Caribbean islands, the region has received terror alerts to the T20 showpiece which is scheduled to get underway from June 1.

“Pro-Islamic State (IS) media sources have launched campaigns inciting violence against sporting events, which included video messages from the Afghanistan-Pakistan branch, ISKhorasan (IS-K) which highlighted assaults in numerous countries and urged supporters to join the battlefield in their countries,” reads the security alert, as quoted by News18.

According to sources, the threat stems from North Pakistan and involves pro-Islamic State (IS) elements inciting violence against sporting events. The security alert highlights ISKhorasan's involvement, urging supporters to engage in violent acts across various countries, including targeting sporting events.

“We work closely with authorities in the host countries and cities, and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event,” CWI CEO Jonny Graves was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

CWI CEO Jonny Graves has assured stakeholders that they are actively collaborating with authorities and have established comprehensive security measures. Despite concerns raised by Trinidad’s Daily Express, indicating the involvement of Pro-Islamic State (Daesh), the USA venues remain unaffected by threats.

The T20 World Cup will span six venues in the West Indies and three in the USA, with matches scheduled from June 1 to June 29. Despite the security challenges, the tournament will feature 20 nations competing across 55 T20Is, with England defending their championship title.