Cricket World Cup: Police snipers deployed for India v Pakistan match after pro-ISIS threat

Hardik Pandya of India signs autographs during the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 warm-up match between Bangladesh and India. Photo / Getty Images

Police snipers will patrol the India vs Pakistan match in New York after security was stepped up following threats against the T20 World Cup by a pro-ISIS group.

There will also be round-the-clock security by police officers to ensure the pitches are not damaged by demonstrators who could target the match.

India play Pakistan in a 34,000 sell out at Eisenhower Park, which is in the suburbs of New York on June 10 NZT. Last week a group supporting ISIS released a graphic on social media of a hooded man carrying a gun with the date of the India-Pakistan match and the caption “You wait for the matches ... and we wait for you.”

The Nassau County Police Department has responded by hiking up security at the venue with SWAT teams on standby, plain clothed police officers on duty in the crowd and specialist snipers.

Roads around the ground will be closed and land close by in Eisenhower Park also cordoned off to reduce the threat from drones.

Security is always high when India play Pakistan, and the two countries only meet in ICC tournaments due to political tensions between the two governments. The game will be the most high-profile match of the tournament and is one of sport’s great contests.

“This is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history,” Patrick Ryder, Nassau County police commissioner, said. “I can also guarantee you that it is the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9.”

The ICC said in a statement: “The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority and 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.”