Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed Lahore as India's home base during the ICC Champions Trophy next year, prioritizing security measures for the neighboring team. This recommendation was included in the draft itinerary submitted to the ICC in April.The PCB's decision stems from India's reluctance to play in Pakistan due to security concerns, as evidenced by their withdrawal from the Asia Cup last year. The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19-March 9, 2023, will mark Pakistan's first major ICC event since 1996.Karachi and Rawalpindi have also been retained as additional venues for the tournament, subject to approval by the ICC executive board. The PCB has emphasized the importance of providing the Indian team with the best possible security arrangements, minimizing their travel time.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at significant changes for the Pakistan team following their defeat by India in the T20 World Cup. He has also announced plans to renovate the stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi before the Champions Trophy.To further prepare for the tournament, the PCB intends to host the Pakistan Super League in April 2023 and a tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand. These events will provide valuable experience and match practice for the Pakistan team.The BCCI has yet to officially confirm whether it will send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the PCB's proactive approach in addressing security concerns and providing a suitable home base for India demonstrates its commitment to hosting a successful and memorable event.

The highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is set to take place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, amidst heightened security measures due to the looming threat of ISIS.The absence of bilateral series between the two nations for over a decade has fueled immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts, prompting organizers to implement stringent security protocols to prevent any potential breaches. The ISIS threat has raised concerns, but local authorities have assured fans of robust measures, including collaboration with various agencies.Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder has likened the security arrangements to those provided for former US President Barack Obama. He emphasized the involvement of officers from multiple jurisdictions, including Nassau County Police, Suffolk County, New York State, and federal agencies such as the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and US Customs and Border Protection.The security measures will encompass extensive surveillance, crowd control, and thorough screening of attendees. The stadium will be under constant monitoring, and any suspicious activity will be swiftly addressed.Despite the heightened security, fans are encouraged to attend the match and witness the electrifying atmosphere. The squads for both teams have been announced, with India led by Rohit Sharma and Pakistan captained by Babar Azam.India's squad includes experienced players like Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja, while Pakistan boasts the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a victory in this high-stakes rivalry. The heightened security measures will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Nassau County Cricket Stadium Gears Up for T20 World Cup with Enhanced SecurityAs the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York is implementing stringent security measures to ensure the safety of attendees. The Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) is spearheading a comprehensive operation to safeguard the eight matches scheduled at the Long Island venue from June 3-12.The security plan includes the deployment of snipers at strategic locations around the stadium, including covert positions. SWAT teams with specialized snipers will also be on standby. Plainclothes officers will patrol the ground to monitor any suspicious activity.To prevent potential tampering, the four drop-in pitches are being continuously monitored by officers from the NCPD's narcotics division. The force has also partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Department of Homeland Security, and the New York Police Department to enhance security."The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority," said the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a statement. "We have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place."On match days, the park land adjacent to the stadium will be closed to the public to minimize the risk of drone attacks. Fans will undergo thorough searches and pass through airport-style security scanners before entering the stadium.Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman emphasized the heightened security measures, stating that they will be "like the Super Bowl, but on steroids."The T20 World Cup is expected to attract a large crowd, including fans from around the world. The tournament will feature some of the top cricket teams, including India, Pakistan, and South Africa. The match between India and Pakistan on June 9 is anticipated to be a major highlight.

Security Heightened for India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Match in New YorkIn response to reported threats, security measures will be significantly enhanced at the Eisenhower Park stadium in New York for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The governor's office has issued a statement assuring that the situation is being closely monitored and that there is currently no credible public safety threat.The Eisenhower Park stadium, located approximately 25 miles east of Manhattan, will host eight matches from June 3 to June 12, including the high-profile India-Pakistan contest. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has emphasized that her administration has been collaborating with law enforcement agencies for months to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of these games."I have directed the New York State Police to implement elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes," Governor Hochul stated. "Public safety is my top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that the Cricket World Cup is a safe and enjoyable experience for all."While the authorities have not yet found any corroborative evidence to support the reported threat, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured that security will be "robust" throughout the tournament, including at the New York venue. An ICC spokesperson emphasized, "The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority. We have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place. 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."India will play four matches in New York, including their first against Canada (June 5), the highly anticipated clash with Pakistan, and a meeting with the USA on June 12. They are also scheduled to play a warm-up game against Bangladesh there. The Indian team arrived in the US on Tuesday and has begun training, although Virat Kohli is yet to join the squad after being granted some time off.Earlier this month, the ICC and Cricket West Indies, who will co-host the World Cup along with the US, expressed confidence that they are taking every possible measure to ensure the safety of fans and players.