‘Super Bowl on Steroids’: Cricket World Cup’s Historic NY Security Measures

New York officials promised the “largest security” in Nassau County’s history, after a pro-ISIS post on social media appeared to threaten violent action at a stadium set to host thousands of cricket fans next month.

The post, shared earlier this week, referenced the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium and June 9, the date for a match between India and Pakistan.

A hooded figure carrying a rifle was seen in the graphic, along with a pipe bomb and drones and the text: “You wait for matches and we wait for you,” The Mirror reported, prompting fears of a potential attack or violence at the

At a press conference Wednesday, officials said threats, including the image, had been coming since April, but they had not found any credible evidence that anything could occur at the 34,000-people capacity stadium.

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

An unnamed official told NBC New York that it was believed ISIS was hoping to incite someone to carry out an attack or cause a disturbance by posting the image, rather than actively planning something.

A spokesperson for the International Cricket Council told Newsweek on Thursday that the ICC works closely with local authorities at its events.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

“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.”

Addressing the security concerns on Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement that her administration had been working for many months to make sure locals and visitors are kept safe.

“While there is no credible public safety threat at this time, we continue to monitor the situation closely,” Hochul said in a statement. “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.”

Security for the event has been coordinated by multiple authorities, including the FBI and the New York City Police Department, Hochul said.

Newsweek reached out to NY State Police for further comment on the reported security threat.

“This is like the Super Bowl on steroids,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said at the press conference Wednesday. “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.”

The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium will host eight other matches across the event, with the first set to take place June 3 between Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Other matches will take place in Dallas, Texas, as well as Antigua, St Lucia, St Vincent, Tarouba, Guyana and Barbados, with the final held in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 29.

Earlier in May, the International Cricket Council unveiled the temporary Nassau County stadium, stating that it may be the largest ever constructed in the United States.