New York officials are gearing up for the “Super Bowl on steroids” as thousands gather in Nassau County for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash on Sunday.
This intense rivalry will be held at a temporary, 34,000-seat stadium in East Meadow, New York, drawing millions of TV viewers.
Read more: USA Tightens Security For India vs Pak Match on 9th
“India vs. Pakistan is like the Super Bowl on steroids. We had no idea how huge it was,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “We want to put our best foot forward.”
The event necessitates extraordinary security measures, with personnel from various regional levels collaborating in Nassau County, adjacent to New York City.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced heightened security for the World Cup due to reported threats, including those related to the India-Pakistan match.
“I found her remarks refreshing,” Blakeman said. “I’m very confident that this is a safe environment—if it wasn’t, then I wouldn’t hold it.”
The two teams haven’t played a Test since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the cheapest ticket for Sunday’s match was $790 on StubHub as of Monday afternoon.
Operations ran smoothly on Monday, with extensive security as South Africa beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the first of eight matches hosted in New York.
The US, co-hosting with the West Indies, is also staging matches in Texas and Florida, aiming to attract American fans ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympics in 2028.
The 12,562 fans in New York on Monday enjoyed a lively atmosphere, with immigrants savoring the opportunity to see their national teams play on US soil.
“Literally a dream come true. One would never expect cricket to be here, but you see so many fans out here,” said Shehan Perera, 27, who moved to the US from Sri Lanka at 14. “There’s a demand for cricket anywhere. If there’s an event, we’re going to show up.”
