India Vs Pakistan: 'Safest place to be will be ...': Nassau police chief on ISIS-K's 'Lone Wolf' attack threat for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match | Cricket News

India Vs Pakistan: ‘Safest place to be will be …’: Nassau police chief on ISIS-K’s ‘Lone Wolf’ attack threat for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan on June 9, significant security measures are being implemented at Eisenhower Park stadium in New York, as stated by Patrick Ryder, the Nassau County Police Department Commissioner. The match, which is anticipated to draw a large audience due to the longstanding rivalry between the two teams, has prompted authorities to enhance security protocols following reports of potential threats. SEE ALSO: T20 World Cup Schedule According to ESPNCricinfo, the security increase comes after certain threats were identified, though the governor’s office has clarified that, based on current intelligence, there is no credible threat to public safety.“When you have got a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible. We will go through every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here in Nassau County. I can guarantee you this is the largest security we have ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9 will be inside that stadium,” said Commissioner Ryder.To facilitate these measures, Eisenhower Park will be closed to the public from early morning until the evening of the match day, with access to the stadium controlled through metal detectors. Restrictions on bags and drones will be enforced, and parking will be limited to VIP ticket holders, with alternative arrangements made for other spectators. The police presence will be significant, both on the ground and in the air, with coordination among federal, state, and local partners, including transit police. The security plan extends beyond the local efforts, with the New York State Police engaged in elevated security measures as directed by Governor Kathy Hochul. These measures include increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes, underscoring the commitment to public safety.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also assured that security will be robust throughout the tournament at all venues, with a comprehensive security plan in place. The ICC works closely with host country authorities to monitor and evaluate global security, ensuring that risks are appropriately mitigated.The match at Eisenhower Park Stadium is part of a series of eight ICC T20 WC matches hosted in the area, highlighting the significance of the event. The governor of New York and the ICC have both expressed their commitment to ensuring that the Cricket World Cup is a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.(Inputs from ANI)

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Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

Wearing India jersey is different feeling, hope to make it count: Rishabh Pant

New York, It would be 527 days since his life-threatening accident when Rishabh Pant dons the India jersey on June 5 at the Nassau County ground for the opening T20 World Cup match against Ireland and he can’t wait for it. Wearing India jersey is different feeling, hope to make it count: Rishabh Pant On March 23 this year, Pant wore the blue of Delhi Capitals while making an emotional comeback after the horrific car crash in 2022 but he is more eager to wear a different shade of blue the ‘India Blue’ to be specific. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! “Getting back on the field with an Indian jersey on is a different feeling altogether. this is something I missed a lot…Hopefully I make it count and make it better from here,” Pant told BCCI.TV on the sidelines of India’s first net session ahead of the warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1. Pant, who underwent an intense 15-month rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, had teammate Suryakumar Yadav for company during this interaction and recalled the time how his presence helped him cope with the loneliness of his injury management programme in the NCA. “Seeing the team here and meeting them again, spending time, having fun with them, having a conversation with them, I really enjoyed,” a beaming Pant said. Having scored 446 runs in 13 IPL games, Pant is slowly getting back into the groove. The leaner and fitter Pant looked in nice touch at the India nets at the Cantiague Park on the outskirts of New York City. Pant also spoke about the prospects of cricket gaining popularity in the USA going forward. He felt the T20 World Cup could be the start of an eventful chapter. “We are used to playing in certain countries but this is a different prospect. It has opened up a different channel for sport because I feel cricket is growing around the world and…getting the exposure here would be nice for cricket as well as USA cricket,” he said. He spoke about the drop-in pitches that will be used during the tournament and also the bright sunshine that he and the rest of the team is getting used to. “New pitches are there. I’m just getting used to the conditions. The sun is a little bit brighter here, so just getting used to the conditions over here. Let’s see how it goes,” Pant concluded. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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New York promises unprecedented security for India-Pakistan clash following terror threat

New York promises unprecedented security for India-Pakistan clash following terror threat

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she has directed state police to elevate security measures to ensure safety of the crowds.. File | Photo Credit: AP New York’s Nassau County will have unprecedented security arrangements in place for the T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan on June 9 due to the threat of a terror attack here even though state Governor Kathy Hochul insisted that it is not credible “at this time.” The Eisenhower Park Stadium at the Nassau County will host eight matches of the tournament-proper, including India’s three outings. The Indians will also play a practice game against Bangladesh here on June 1. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she has directed state police to elevate security measures to ensure safety of the crowds. “In preparation for the World Cup my team has been working with federal & local law enforcement to keep attendees safe. While there is no credible threat at this time, I’ve directed @nyspolice (NYPD) to elevate security measures & we’ll continue to monitor as the event nears,” Ms. Hochul said in a post on X. A report on CNN said that New York officials are putting safety precautions in place “after terror group ISIS-K made a global threat earlier this year” against the World Cup. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said on May 29 that the event received an ISIS-K-linked threat in April. “That was followed by more specific threats on the India versus Pakistan game, scheduled for June 9, and references to a viral video circulating online, which calls for ‘that lone wolf to act out’,” the report said. “I can guarantee you this. This is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you this – the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9th will be inside that stadium,” Mr. Ryder said in that report. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said described the mega-event, which is likely to draw massive crowds from among the expats, as “Super Bowl on steroids”. “There will be teams from all over the world coming in. There will be fans from all over the world coming to Nassau County…we have been meeting for well over six months on a regular basis to talk about security concerns and health care concerns, which could potentially arise at any kind of event of this magnitude”. “We take every threat seriously. There are the same procedures for every threat,” Mr. Blakeman said. Mr. Blakeman also noted the county’s coordinated security efforts with federal partners, including the FBI, and Department of Homeland Security among others. “To that end, we have taken many, many precautions as well as making sure that the stadium and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe,” he said. The Rohit Sharma-led side will begin its campaign by taking on Ireland on June 5, followed by the high-voltage clash against Pakistan on June 9. The team will then face hosts USA on June 12. The terror threat to the event was first revealed by Trinidad’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley and the ICC had responded to it by asserting that a robust security cover is in place to ensure smooth conduct of the event. “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,” the ICC had stated.

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'This is one thing I missed a lot': Rishabh Pant welcomes return to Indian cricket team for T20 World Cup after 16 months | Cricket News

‘This is one thing I missed a lot’: Rishabh Pant welcomes return to Indian cricket team for T20 World Cup after 16 months | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant recently resumed training with the Indian cricket team after a hiatus of over 16 months, in preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup‘s opening match against Ireland on June 5. The tournament is set to take place across the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to June 29. India’s pre-tournament preparations include a solitary warm-up fixture against Bangladesh on June 1 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule Pant’s comeback to competitive cricket occurred during this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), following a severe road accident in December 2022. His return marks a significant moment as he dons the Indian jersey once again. In the IPL 2024 season, Pant played for the Delhi Capitals, who finished sixth in the standings. Despite the team’s failure to advance to the playoffs, Pant was a standout performer, accumulating 446 runs in 13 matches, including three half-centuries, and finishing as the team’s leading run-scorer. Ahead of the World Cup, Pant has visibly slimmed down and appears in excellent physical condition. A video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) featured Pant expressing his enthusiasm for rejoining the national team and the unique experience of playing in the USA.“This is one thing I missed a lot (practicing with the Indian team and playing for them). Getting back on the field with the Indian jersey on, it is a different feel altogether and this is something I missed a lot. I think seeing the teammates and meeting them again, spending time, having fun with them, enjoying having conversations, really enjoying it,” said Pant. “We are used to playing in certain countries but this is a different prospect. It has opened up a different channel for sport because I feel cricket is growing around the world and getting in a country like the US and getting the exposure here would be nice for cricket as well as USA cricket I guess. So just getting used to conditions over here and let us see how it goes. Hopefully, I make it count and make it more better from here,” he added.Pant’s performance in T20 World Cups to date includes participation in the 2021 and 2022 editions, where he scored a total of 87 runs across five innings, with a top score of 39. The upcoming World Cup presents an opportunity for Pant and the Indian team to strive for their first ICC trophy since winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Despite reaching the finals and semifinals of various ICC tournaments in recent years, including the 50-over World Cup and the World Test Championship, India has not clinched an ICC trophy since their 2013 victory.India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup will commence against Ireland, followed by matches against Pakistan, the USA, and Canada in Group A. The team aims to secure their first T20 World Cup title since the inaugural tournament in 2007. In the previous edition held in Australia in 2022, India was eliminated in the semifinals by England.(Inputs from ANI)

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Virat Kohli recalls ‘nervous’ World Cup debut: Helped me to be aware and alert

Virat Kohli recalls ‘nervous’ World Cup debut: Helped me to be aware and alert

Virat Kohli went down the memory lane to the ODI World Cup in 2023 when he made his debut at the biggest stage. Kohli, who was only into his second year in international cricket, played the tournament opener against Bangladesh on February 19 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Kohli admitted that he had butterflies in his stomach after getting the chance to play alongside the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and others. Kohli recalled the moments before India’s warm-up match against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 1 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. “It was against Bangladesh in Dhaka, my first game and I was nervous. Yes, I will not lie. There is a different sense of excitement in the air when you come for a World Cup and I could obviously sense that. I was the youngest member of that team and I was getting to play with all these greats of Indian cricket in a World Cup game,” Kohli said on an interview with Star Sports. ‘It was a good sign’ Kohli had an outing to remember after he scored an unbeaten 100 off 83 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. He was also involved in a partnership of 203 runs with Sehwag, who tormented the opposition bowlers with a knock of 175. From there on, Kohli hasn’t looked back and currently has 1795 runs to his name from 37 matches at an average of 59.83 with 5 centuries. “For me it was definitely a moment where I was a bit nervous heading into the game and definitely the night before I was quite nervous but that is a good sign as well because your body is preparing you to enter a situation where you’re alert, you’re not taking things for granted. I think that nervousness helped me to be aware, be alert and be absolutely precise in the execution of my plans,” he added. Kohli is expected to play a big part for the Men in Blue when they start their T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Paul Stirling’s Ireland. Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: May 30, 2024 Tune In

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Rohit Sharma: 'Good to be back': Rohit Sharma shares glimpses of India's first training session in New York ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Rohit Sharma: ‘Good to be back’: Rohit Sharma shares glimpses of India’s first training session in New York ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma engaged in a preparatory session with his team ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup‘s inaugural match against Ireland on June 5 in New York. The tournament is set to take place across the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to June 29. India’s preparatory phase includes a solitary warm-up fixture against Bangladesh on June 1, hosted at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule Rohit Sharma took to social media to share glimpses of the training session, which included physical exercises, moments of camaraderie, and strategic discussions with his team members. His performance is anticipated to be a pivotal factor in India’s progress in the tournament. Known for his dynamic opening partnerships, notably with Yashasvi Jaiswal or Virat Kohli, Sharma’s role is critical in establishing a commanding run rate and setting a positive tone for the team’s innings.With a record as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the history of the T20 World Cup, Sharma has amassed 963 runs with an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 127.88, including nine half-centuries and a highest score of 79 not out. Additionally, his recent participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Mumbai Indians, although the team finished at the bottom of the table, saw him scoring 417 runs across 14 matches with an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150.00, including one century and a half-century, with his highest score being an unbeaten 105.India’s T20 World Cup journey begins with the match against Ireland, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on June 9. The team will also face the tournament co-hosts USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15 in their Group A encounters.The Indian team, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, is aiming to break their ICC trophy drought. Despite reaching the finals and semifinals of major ICC tournaments since their last victory at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, including the 50-over World Cup, the ICC World Test Championship, and the T20 World Cup, India have not clinched a major ICC trophy. (Inputs from ANI)

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'Grateful' Suryakumar Yadav clinches second consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year award | Cricket News

‘Grateful’ Suryakumar Yadav clinches second consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year award | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav has once again emerged victorious, securing his second consecutive ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award. The announcement comes as a testament to Yadav’s exceptional talent and outstanding contributions to the T20 format, further solidifying his position as a key player for the Indian team.Yadav, known for his explosive batting prowess and remarkable performances on the field, took to Instagram to share his gratitude for the prestigious accolade. In a post accompanied by a photo of himself adorned in the new Indian jersey, holding the coveted ICC award and donning the commemorative cap, Yadav expressed his appreciation for the recognition.The talented cricketer’s stellar record in T20 internationals during the previous year speaks volumes about his consistency and skill. Amassing an impressive total of 733 runs in 17 innings at a striking rate of 155.95 and an average of 48.86 in 2023, Yadav’s dominance in the format has been unparalleled. Despite facing challenges during the 2024 Indian Premier League season with the Mumbai Indians, including injuries that sidelined him at the start of the tournament, Yadav showcased his resilience and determination. He scored 345 runs at a striking rate of 167.47, which included a remarkable unbeaten century off just 51 balls.Yadav’s leadership abilities were also on display when he captained the Indian team during a T20I series in South Africa in December. However, an unfortunate ankle injury sustained during the series hampered his subsequent participation in matches, including Mumbai Indians’ initial games in the 2024 IPL season.As Yadav prepares to represent India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, his accolade serves as a source of motivation and inspiration.

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Rohit Sharma: 'I don't know what he is talking about': Rohit Sharma's hilarious exchange with Kuldeep Yadav leaves everyone in splits | Cricket News

Rohit Sharma: ‘I don’t know what he is talking about’: Rohit Sharma’s hilarious exchange with Kuldeep Yadav leaves everyone in splits | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Team India captain Rohit Sharma once again showcased his comedic flair during a promotional shoot for the upcoming T20 World Cup. In a lighthearted moment, Rohit presented the ICC ODI Team of the Year cap to teammate Kuldeep Yadav, turning the ceremony into a hilarious exchange.During the presentation, Rohit began by saying, “It’s my great pleasure to present this wonderful cap to a wonderful athlete who has been a real asset for Team India, ICC ODI Team of the Year, Kuldeep.”Kuldeep responded with a simple, “Thank you, Rohit bhai.”Not letting him off the hook so easily, Rohit encouraged Kuldeep to say more.”You want to say something?” he asked.“No, no, all good,” the spinner replied.“You should say something,” Rohit insisted.Feeling the pressure from his captain, Kuldeep hesitantly added, “I mean, nothing much to say. I had a great season last year, both with the bat and ball.”Feigning shock, Rohit responded, “Bat? When?”A confused Kuldeep stuttered, “I mean. I mean.”“I mean uh, when?” Rohit pressed further, much to the amusement of everyone present.“Test series,” Kuldeep sheepishly admitted.“This is ODI,” Rohit clarified, with a smile.Attempting to explain, Kuldeep said, “But I performed with the bat as well, so last year I was really good with the ball during the World Cup as well.”Rohit then said mockingly, “I am captain of this team. I have never seen him bat. So, I don’t know what he is talking about,” leaving Kuldeep grinning and the audience in stitches.“Thank you, Rohit bhai,” Kuldeep concluded.WATCH: The promotional shoot perfectly highlighted the camaraderie and humor within the team.The T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 2 in the USA and West Indies. India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5.

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Mass murder threat during India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match, ‘largest security in country’s history' promised by USA

Mass murder threat during India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match, ‘largest security in country’s history’ promised by USA

Security threats and a chance of a “lone wolf attack” have prompted the Long Island authorities to tighten the security at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium built on the Eisenhower Park in New York for the high-profile India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match on June 9. Although the governor’s office did not find any evidence to corroborate the threat and there was “no credible public safety threat at this time”, the authorities decided against taking any chances. Pakistan’s Babar Azam shakes hands with India’s Rohit Sharma(REUTERS) The USA is hosting a cricket tournament as big as the World Cup for the first time, and the Nassau County Cricket Stadium has been allotted eight matches, including the big-ticket India vs Pakistan clash, which is always one of the biggest crowd-pullers in any cricket event. Considering the sizeable sub-continent population in the USA, a big crowd can be expected for the Group A clash between the Asian giants. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder revealed the threat of a ‘lone wolf attack’, a mass murder attempt at a public place carried by an individual, during the India vs Pakistan World Cup match. “Each and every day, Nassau County, as well as other communities and cities and counties and towns throughout the United States, receive all kinds of threats. We take every threat seriously,” Blakeman was quoted as saying by CBS News. “To that end, we have taken many, many precautions. As well as making sure that the stadium and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe, the parking areas are safe, the watch areas are safe, we also are adding 100 additional police officers to our normal staffing for the rest of the county, just as a precaution.” ‘Largest security in US history’ promised during India vs Pakistan World Cup match When asked about the lone wolf attack tip-off, Police Commissioner Ryder assured “largest security in the country’s history” to ensure Nassau County was the “safest place on June 9”. “When you’ve got a game and a crowd as big as this, everything is credible. We will go through every fine detail when it comes to the security and safety of the residents here in Nassau County. I can guarantee you this is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9 will be inside that stadium,” Ryder said. Kathy Hochul, the governor of the state of New York, said “elevated security” will be taken to ensure “public safety” during the Word Cup matches. “In preparation for the Cricket World Cup, my Administration has been working for months with federal law enforcement and Nassau County to ensure New Yorkers and visitors are safe. This has included close coordination with the New York State Police Counter Terrorism Unit and New York State Police Troop L, based on Long Island. While there is no credible public safety threat at this time, we continue to monitor the situation closely. I have also directed the New York State Police to engage in elevated security measures, including an increased law enforcement presence, advanced surveillance, and thorough screening processes. Public safety is my top priority and we are committed to ensuring the Cricket World Cup is a safe, enjoyable experience,” the office of Kathy Hochul said in a statement released on Wednesday (May 29) morning. Meanwhile, the ICC said it is coordinating with the authorities. “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,” a spokesperson for the International Cricket Council said.

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Virat Kohli's childhood coach suggests MS Dhoni for India's head coach role; Gautam Gambhir remains the front-runner | Cricket News

Virat Kohli’s childhood coach suggests MS Dhoni for India’s head coach role; Gautam Gambhir remains the front-runner | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: With the deadline to apply for the Indian men’s cricket team’s head coach role ending on May 27, speculation is rife about who will replace Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah hinted that the new head coach is likely to be an Indian, with reports suggesting Gautam Gambhir as the top contender. However, Virat Kohli‘s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has floated the idea of MS Dhoni taking up the role.Speaking to India News, the Dronacharya awardee coach expressed his views on Dhoni being an ideal candidate. “First of all, it will be interesting to see which names apply for this post. I would like that whoever becomes the coach should be an Indian. If Mahendra Singh Dhoni announces retirement, he can prove to be a good option. He (Dhoni) has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments,” Sharma said.While Dhoni has not officially announced his retirement from the IPL, his future remains uncertain. The IPL 2024 was speculated to be his final season, but the Chennai Super Kings legend has kept everyone guessing. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath even stated that he expects Dhoni to return for another season.Sharma emphasized Dhoni’s potential impact as a coach, citing his experience and respect within the team. “Dhoni will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time. Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly is most needed in the team because when Dhoni became the captain, there were big players in that team like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh. Despite this, Dhoni handled the team brilliantly,” Sharma added.Dhoni previously worked with the Indian team as a mentor during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, showcasing his potential as a guiding figure for the team. As Dravid’s contract ends this year after the T20 World Cup, the appointment of his successor is highly anticipated.Gambhir, who recently mentored Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, is seen as a strong candidate for the head coach position. His success with KKR and experience as a former India player make him a compelling choice.

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