New York is gearing up for what’s being dubbed as the “Super Bowl on steroids” as it braces for the epic clash between cricketing giants India and Pakistan in the group stage of the T20 World Cup on Sunday. With thousands expected to flock to Nassau County, the temporary 34,000-seat stadium in East Meadow is set to overflow with fans, while millions more will tune in to catch the action on television.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman likened the magnitude of India vs. Pakistan to the Super Bowl, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the event. The county is pulling out all the stops to ensure a seamless and secure experience for attendees, with security efforts coordinated among various levels of law enforcement agencies.
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In response to reported threats, including those related to the high-stakes match between India and Pakistan, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced increased security measures for the World Cup. Blakeman expressed confidence in the safety measures in place, underscoring the commitment to providing a secure environment for the event.
Tickets for Sunday’s match have been in high demand, with the least expensive option on resale platforms like StubHub priced at $790 as of Monday afternoon. Despite the hefty price tag, operations at the stadium appeared to run smoothly during Monday’s matches, with South Africa securing a victory over Sri Lanka.
Beyond New York, the T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies, with matches also taking place in Texas and Florida. Cricket’s presence in the U.S. aims to captivate American fans ahead of its anticipated return to the Olympic program in 2028.
The lively atmosphere at Monday’s matches in New York, attended by 12,562 fans, reflects the diverse and enthusiastic cricket community in the region. Immigrants who never imagined witnessing their national teams play cricket on American soil expressed their joy and excitement, underscoring the universal appeal of the sport and the unwavering support of fans, regardless of location.
