NEW DELHI: The upcoming clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the group stage of the
T20 World Cup
on Sunday has sparked a massive security operation in
Nassau County
, New York.
With thousands of fans expected to descend upon the temporary 34,000-seat stadium in East Meadow, officials are gearing up for what has been dubbed the "
Super Bowl
on steroids."
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The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense in sports, and the match is expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide.
Nassau County Executive
Bruce Blakeman
acknowledged the magnitude of the event, stating, "
India vs Pakistan
is like the Super Bowl on steroids. We had no idea how huge it was. We want to put our best foot forward."
To ensure a safe and secure environment, an extraordinary security effort has been undertaken, with personnel from various levels of law enforcement working in conjunction within the county, which is adjacent to New York City.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has also announced increased security measures for the World Cup, citing reported threats, including those specifically related to the India-Pakistan fixture.
Blakeman expressed confidence in the security measures, stating, " I'm very confident that this is a safe environment - if it wasn't, then I wouldn't hold it."
The high demand for tickets is a testament to the intense rivalry and passion surrounding the match. As of Monday afternoon, the least expensive ticket available on the resale website StubHub was priced at $790.
The United States is co-hosting the T20 World Cup with the West Indies, with matches also taking place in Texas and Florida. This event is seen as an opportunity for cricket to gain a foothold in the American market and pave the way for its return to the Olympic program in 2028.
(Inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·