The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to get underway in the West Indies and USA from June 2, five days after the conclusion of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The deadline for all 20 participating teams to announce their squads is May 1, and they have been rolling out since Monday, April 29.
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This tournament is a relatively new one at just 17 years old. The current edition is significant as it will be the first one to see 20 teams in action, fighting it out for the trophy. It will also mark the first-ever time that the USA is hosting a major ICC event.
But why is the T20 World Cup taking place in the States?
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The tournament will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and USA. The Caribbean islands will be hosting this for the second time, after 2010. However, as a non-traditional cricketing side many have been surprised that the USA will also be involved.
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The USA remains one of the largest sports markets in the world, even if the team is not a significant power. The likes of basketball, American football, hockey and more have all enjoyed great success in the franchise arena and cricket is looking to join that table. In fact, the IPL is based primarily on the model of American franchise leagues.
The platform for international cricket has also been laid with the emergence of Major League Cricket (MLC) as a franchise league last year. With bonafide T20 stars and investment from IPL owners, it has provided a gateway to cricket for American fans.
Add to all this the large number of diaspora South Asians (Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis) living in the States who are huge fans of cricket, and the USA is ripe for the growth of cricket.
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Rahul is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.
