'Comprehensive security plan is in place' - ICC reacts to terror threat regarding T20 World Cup

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the United States from June 2, terror threats from an organisation in North Pakistan have emerged as per recent reports. The Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Keith Rowley opened up about the threats and prompted tight security measures and an effort to ensure the safety of players and spectators alike.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also acknowledged the situation, responding swiftly by working closely with the host nations to fortify security arrangements. Cricket West Indies has assured that a comprehensive security plan is already in place to address any potential risks.

"ICC is working closely with the host countries to ensure appropriate plans are in place. We immediately spoke to the authorities as the reports emerged, and the Cricket West Indies has assured everyone that a comprehensive security plan is in place to address any risk," an ICC official told NDTV Sports when asked about the terror threat to the Men's T20 World Cup.

Also read: T20 World Cup 2024 co-hosts West Indies receive terror threat from Pakistan

We have remained alert to many threats: Dr. Keith Rowley

Prime Minister Rowley opened up about the seriousness of the threats. The Caribbean region, renowned for its passionate love for cricket, is currently on high alert, with intelligence agencies and security forces working tirelessly to make necessary security arrangements.

"Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism in its many and varied expressions is an ever-present danger in the world of the 21st century. It is against this backdrop that all nations, like our region when hosting large or vulnerable gatherings, make an extra effort in national security preparations and response readiness to take seriously, all threats, expressed or implied," PM Rowley told Daily Express. 

Also read: If Pakistan lose World Cup, the board will blame Kirsten or Babar Azam: Rashid Latif

"Given the fact that bad actors can choose to misbehave in any way possible, it makes it virtually impossible to completely seal off all opportunities. However, to ameliorate these dangers, we at the local and regional levels have remained alert to many threats and singularly or together have our intelligence and other security agencies working to protect the population in countries and at venues throughout the tournament," he added.

The ninth edition of the marquee event will witness 20 teams divided into four groups of five each for the first round. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, where the teams will be further divided into two groups of four each.

The top two teams from each group of the Super Eight will proceed to the semi-finals which will take place in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on June 26 and 27, respectively. The final will be held in Barbados on June 29. Reserve days are scheduled for both the semi-finals and the final.