(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to commence in India on October 5, featuring ten nations competing for cricket’s ultimate prize. The tournament begins with a match between last year’s finalists, England and New Zealand, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
However, there is a security threat looming over the cricket extravaganza, as Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the head of the Khalistani organization Sikhs for Justice, has issued threats of violence during the tournament. Of particular concern is the India vs. Pakistan clash on October 14 and the tournament final on November 19, both scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Pannu was declared a terrorist under UAPA in July 2020.
A viral call recording features Pannu threatening to disrupt the World Cup and accusing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma in Ottawa of disrespecting Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Pannu’s statement suggests a turbulent relationship between India and Canada, exacerbated by the shooting of Khalistani Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Gurudwara in Canada on June 18.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau accused Indian intelligence agencies of involvement in Nijjar’s murder, an allegation India vehemently denied.