Starting this weekend, Long Island will host the Cricket World Cup, marking the first time the prestigious tournament is held in the United States. Eight Men’s T20 World Cup matches, along with a warm-up match, will be played at the newly constructed 34,000-seat International Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park. Remarkably, the stadium was built in just three months, ready to welcome cricket fans from around the world.
Where to Buy Tickets and Match Schedule
Cricket enthusiasts can still purchase tickets for the matches through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup official website. Ticket prices vary widely, starting at $60 for the Canada vs. Ireland match and going up to $10,000 for premium Diamond Club seats for the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match on June 9. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also announced that some tickets have been reserved for local community groups and cricket teams, ensuring local fans can enjoy the event.
Match Schedule:
- June 1: India vs. Bangladesh (warm-up match)
- June 3: Sri Lanka vs. South Africa
- June 5: India vs. Ireland
- June 7: Canada vs. Ireland
- June 8: Netherlands vs. South Africa
- June 9: India vs. Pakistan
- June 10: South Africa vs. Bangladesh
- June 11: Pakistan vs. Canada
- June 12: USA vs. India
All matches are set to begin at 10:30 a.m., promising exciting days of cricket action.
Enhanced Security Measures
In light of an online threat, which was deemed non-credible, Nassau County officials have implemented stringent security measures to ensure the safety of all attendees. Spectators will be required to pass through metal detectors, and no bags will be permitted inside the stadium. Additionally, Eisenhower Park will be closed to the public before and during the matches, from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m., reopening once all fans have exited the stadium.
A significant police presence will be on-site, both on the ground and in the air, to monitor and manage the event. Drones will be prohibited over the stadium to maintain a secure environment. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder emphasized the importance of these measures: “This will be one of the tightest securities that Nassau County has ever seen. You will not get into this venue without the proper credentialing, ticketing, or parking access that you have. Otherwise, you will be turned around.”
Community Involvement and Excitement
The arrival of the Cricket World Cup on Long Island has generated significant excitement and community involvement. Local cricket teams and community groups are eager to participate and witness international cricket stars in action. The event not only highlights the growing popularity of cricket in the United States but also provides an opportunity for local fans to experience world-class cricket without having to travel abroad.
As Long Island prepares to welcome cricket fans from around the globe, the combination of top-tier cricket matches and robust security measures ensures a memorable and safe experience for all attendees.