NEW YORK: The organizers of June’s T20 Cricket World Cup in the United States have reported significant demand for tickets, particularly for the highly anticipated clash between cricket rivals Pakistan and India.
The public ballot for tickets showed overwhelming interest, with the India-Pakistan match oversubscribed by 200 times, guaranteeing a sell-out crowd at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. This event marks the first time an international cricket tournament will be held in the USA, with matches also scheduled in Lauderhill, South Florida, and Grand Prairie Stadium, near Dallas.
While cricket has not traditionally been popular among Americans, organizers aim to capitalize on the sport’s appeal to immigrant populations in the country. With India and Pakistan playing their group games in the USA, packed crowds are expected, primarily from the diaspora. Although efforts will be made to introduce cricket to a wider American audience, the focus remains on serving existing fans.
The tournament presents an opportunity to showcase cricket as an entertainment product in a sports-loving nation. Despite the challenges of creating facilities and infrastructure for a global tournament, significant upgrades are underway in venues like Lauderhill and Grand Prairie to accommodate the event’s requirements. The organizers emphasize the importance of providing access to cricket fans and demonstrating cricket’s entertainment value in a country accustomed to diverse sporting options.
The T20 Cricket World Cup will kick off on June 1, featuring teams like the USA, Canada, Ireland, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and more. USA vice-captain Aaron Jones hopes the team’s performance will inspire youngsters and establish the USA as a cricketing nation. With cricket set to gain unprecedented exposure in the USA through events like the T20 World Cup and its inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics, there is optimism for the sport’s growth and popularity in the country.
