T20 World Cup 2024 To Elevate Cricket Infrastructure In The USA, Says ICC Umpire

The opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 between the USA and Canada marks a historic moment as the prestigious tournament is held in mainland USA for the first time. This eagerly awaited event has brought the thrill of cricket, a sport beloved by over 2.5 billion fans worldwide, to a country where it is not widely popular.

As co-hosts alongside the West Indies, the USA cricket team have also qualified for the biennial tournament and started their campaign with a resounding victory over their long-time rivals Canada. This emphatic win set a strong tone for their journey in the competition.

The T20 World Cup 2024 features a record 20 nations vying for the coveted trophy. This ninth edition of the tournament, which began in 2007, is not just a global sporting event but also a significant opportunity for the relatively small yet passionate cricket community in the USA to witness top-tier cricket live in their neighbourhoods.

The Indian diaspora has played a crucial role in promoting cricket in the USA, a country that hosted the first official international cricket match in the 19th century between the USA and Canada.

Another highlight of the T20 World Cup 2024 is the participation of local talent in officiating roles. Among them is Aditya Gajjar, an India-born US national and ICC panel umpire, who officiated in World Cup matches on home soil.

Gajjar (47), who has officiated in six T20Is and some of the T20 World Cup warm-up games recently, has worked diligently to be included in the ICC umpires' panel. In an exclusive interview with myKhel, he shared his insights and experiences regarding the growth of cricket in the US.

Q: What's your opinion about the T20 World Cup in the US - the timing, the craze, fan following, etc.? How do you see the game of cricket in the US context where American football, baseball, basketball, etc., are very popular?

Ans: In my opinion, it's a fantastic time to introduce cricket to American culture. The World Cup will play a vital role in increasing the fan base for this game. Of course, it's going to take time to reach the level of fan following seen in football, baseball, and basketball.

Q: Is there any craze amongst youth about the tournament and the sport? Do youngsters show an inclination to pick up the sport and pursue it seriously?

Ans: The grassroots level of cricket has begun in America, with cricket being introduced in schools. However, it's going to take time and constant efforts from the boards to promote cricket at the grassroots level. There are states where hub cricket has started, with under-13 and under-15 teams competing. So, the younger generation is picking it up, but more work is in progress.

Q: Is there enough infrastructure for the sport to prosper in the USA?

Ans: The infrastructure for cricket is growing very rapidly in the USA. There are good cricket facilities being built, but currently, we are not there yet.

Q: Will the T20 World Cup, Major League Cricket (MLC), and other T20 leagues in mainland USA, and cricket likely making a debut in the LA Olympics, act as catalysts for cricket's growth in the country?

Ans: Yes, absolutely. These events will help build the fan base and awareness of the game. Right now, you don't see many Americans involved, but once that happens, there will be a big explosion of fans.

Q: What kind of struggle did you go through to establish yourself in the sport?

Ans: Well, just like in other countries, there were lots of internal politics and red tape. It took 13 years for me to get into the ICC panel.

The Future of Cricket in USA

The T20 World Cup 2024 represents a pivotal moment for cricket in the USA. With potential to significantly boost popularity and infrastructure, this event could be crucial for establishing cricket in a country dominated by other major sports.

The enthusiasm and commitment of individuals like Aditya Gajjar highlight ongoing efforts to grow cricket from grassroots level to international prominence.