As the T20 World Cup 2024 gears up to kickstart, Venu Pisike, chairman of USA Cricket, anticipates a significant boost in cricket awareness across America. With the tournament set to commence on June 1, the USA team, composed of a blend of semi-professional cricketers and international stars like Corey Anderson, is primed to make its debut against neighboring Canada.

Pisike acknowledges the challenge of popularizing cricket in a nation where it has predominantly been an expatriate affair. However, he remains optimistic about leveraging the World Cup’s marketing and promotional activities to catalyze momentum for the sport’s expansion within the USA.

“World Cup will definitely boost the opportunities to expand the game in the USA…”

One of the key highlights of the T20 World Cup is the anticipation surrounding matches hosted in New York. With pivotal encounters like India versus Pakistan scheduled for June 9, preparations are underway to unveil a state-of-the-art stadium in Eisenhower Park, capable of accommodating 34,000 spectators. The expedited construction, initiated in January, showcases the USA’s commitment to elevating cricketing infrastructure. Importantly, the installation of drop-in pitches from Australia promises a conducive playing environment, striking a balance between bat and ball dynamics.

“So far, cricket is predominantly an expats’ game, but with the marketing and promotion activities during the World Cup, there is some momentum and the World Cup will definitely boost the opportunities to expand the game in the USA,” said Pisike. “Definitely, the World Cup is bringing a lot of awareness and then the opportunity for cricket to be in the Olympics, that will definitely attract the community because the US is a huge sports country.

“Olympics is the prime area where all the sports bodies are focusing on since cricket is going to the Olympics. That will actually give more opportunities to expand the sport between the World Cup and the Olympics,” he added.

Collaborating with BCCI for cricket development

Looking beyond the tournament, Pisike underscores the potential for long-term collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the USA team refrained from training in India ahead of the World Cup, Pisike aims to foster ongoing partnerships with BCCI for player training and exposure post-event. With cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics on the horizon, Pisike believes this presents a compelling opportunity to engage the broader American sports community, given the nation’s fervent sporting culture.

He concluded, “Yes definitely (we are talking to BCCI). In the past, we have sent our men’s team to Karnataka before they participated in the CWC qualifiers in 2022. And there was some alliance with the associations, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and Andhra Cricket Association to send our under-19 boys before the World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka.

“There are several discussions happening with the various cricket associations and we will definitely want to partner and use the resources that are available. And that is something we definitely look into for future.”

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In essence, as the T20 World Cup unfolds, it serves as a beacon for cricket’s ascension within America, laying the groundwork for sustained growth and global recognition.