International Cricket Board Assures Comprehensive and Robust Security Plan Amid Terror Threat to World Cup
 

The International Cricket Board and Cricket West Indies have assured that a “comprehensive and robust security plan” is set up for the upcoming T20 World Cup after Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley confirmed West Indies security agencies were keeping a check on a possible terror threat to the showpiece event. 

Rowley told Sunday Express following reports of a terror threat, which had spread on social media, appeared over the weekend. 

"Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism in its many and varied expressions is an ever-present danger in the world of the 21st century," Rowley said. "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.

"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, in order 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."

The International Cricket Board and Cricket West Indies responded via a joint statement reassuring stakeholders of the security measures arranged.   

"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," the statement said. "We want to assure all stakeholders that safety and security of everyone at the Men's T20 World Cup is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place."

The global tournament will be played in nine venues, six in the West Indies and three in the USA. The competition runs from June 1 to 29, with Barbados slated to host the final.