Noting that there is no specific terrorist threat to the ICC World Cup being held in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the US has urged its citizens to be alert while travelling to these countries during the tournament as such big events are always a soft targets for the militants.
"The Department of State alerts US citizens traveling to or residing in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to safety and security issues related to the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in those countries between February 19 and April 2, 2011," said a US travel advisory.
While the US government has no specific threat information regarding the Cricket World Cup, high-profile events of this nature can be targets for terrorist attacks, the state department said in a statement a day after the mega cricket event was kicked off in Dhaka on Thursday.
The state department reminded its citizens about the worldwide travel alert it had issued about the American nationals on January 31 which also includes South Asian countries.
Observing that local authorities in the country where individual matches are held are responsible for security arrangements for the ICC Cricket World Cup, the State Department said US citizens should monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and recreation and sporting venues.
This travel alert expires on April 9, 2011.