Just as the warm-up matches for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024 got underway, with the mega-event scheduled to begin on June 1, 2024, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA, the latter hosting a global cricketing event of this big a magnitude for the very first time, the cricketing world was rattled by a chilling message purportedly disseminated by a pro-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria group. The alleged terror threat has cast a shadow of apprehension and unease over not just the organizers and members associated with the event, but also among cricket enthusiasts and supporters gearing up for the tournament, and in particular, those who’ve already made up their minds to go cheer their respective nations at the multitude of venues.
According to a previous report by the Express, followers of ISIS were found using online chat rooms on the Matrix.org network, where they urged others with a message that read, “prepare your weapon, devise your plan, and then lure them in”, specifically with regard to targeting major sporting events like the T20 World Cup.
Utilizing a graphic poster circulated on the internet, the terrorist organization conveyed a stark threat, depicting a figure armed with a rifle alongside the ominous message, “YOU WAIT FOR THE MATCHES….AND WE WAIT FOR YOU……” Additionally, the post specifically mentioned the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York and the date June 9, coinciding with the highly-anticipated fixture and arguably the carrying the most hype in terms of ticket sales and broadcasting statistics, the clash between India and Pakistan.
The pictorial depiction also features aerial drones circling above a stadium illustration, accompanied by a stick of dynamite and a ticking clock. Forecasts indicate a maximum capacity attendance of 34,000 fans for the Indo-Pak clash at the recently constructed venue situated just beyond Manhattan.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Rs 1.84 Crore! Insane demand for India vs Pakistan match tickets
The India-Pakistan spectacle will be one of the eight games scheduled to take place at the makeshift stadium in Eisenhower Park.
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