New Delhi: Cricket was a popular sport in the United States with a history dating back to 1800s. It now aims to swing back into the hearts of American sports fans with the upcoming T20 World Cup, that the country is co-hosting with the Caribbean islands from June 1.
The International Cricket Council is confident this fast-paced version of the game will spark interest despite the sport’s current niche and organisation even confides that the American market already has about 30 million cricket fans.
While most Americans may not be familiar with the intricacies of wickets and boundaries, the T20 World Cup presents an opportunity to cultivate a new generation of fans in US. Though cricket enjoys a massive following in India, organisers believe the USA has the potential to mirror that enthusiasm.
The cricket tournament will have 16 matches across three venues in USA’s New York, Dallas and Lauderhill. The major part of the tournament with 55 matches, including the playoffs, will be played in the Caribbean islands.
On the third day, South Africa and Sri Lanka will be playing in the same spot where cricket history began!
Notably ,the very first international cricket match ever was played in New York way back in 1844, between the USA and Canada – a time when cricket was played widely across America before baseball, an alternative gained prominence during the 1860s Civil War.
The upcoming T20 World Cup is swinging all the fences in the US market. Organisers, are pulling out all the stops to capture American attention, a feat considering the dominance of baseball, football, and basketball.
Usain Bolt, the legendary eight-time Olympic gold medalist sprinter from Jamaica, has been roped in as the World Cup ambassador to leverage his global star power. They’ve even expanded their reach by promoting the event at the recent Formula 1 race in Miami.
However, the real challenge lies in building a sustainable American cricket fandom. While these efforts grab headlines, experts believe long-term success hinges on grassroots development. Simply put, more Americans need to be introduced to cricket at a young age, fostering a love for the sport that can rival established favourites.
Not only will the US be hosting matches, but the American team made up with players coming from families with roots in South Asia and the Caribbean, will be making its grand debut on the World Cup stage. This is a historic moment for American cricket, and it’s sure to generate excitement among fans.
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