T20 World Cup 2024: Smit Patel Calls For Strong Home Team Support In The USA

Smit Patel, a former India Under-19 cricketer and current wicketkeeper-batter for the USA cricket team, believes the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is the best time for cricket due to the summer season in the country and there is palpable excitement among fans.

In an interaction with myKhel, the 31-year-old Ahmedabad-born cricketer offered his perspectives on the ongoing T20 World Cup - which is being held for the first time in the United States - the challenges, and the opportunities for cricket's growth in a country dominated by sports like American football, baseball, and basketball.

He expects fans to come out in good numbers to not just watch their favourite stars in action but also cheer the local team.

Reflecting on the timing and enthusiasm surrounding the T20 World Cup, Patel remarks, "Cricket during the start of summer in the USA is the best time, I think, to play cricket. What can be better for the fans than to witness their favourite players playing the sport in the USA like never before?"

The buzz around the World Cup games is palpable, with tickets for major clashes being hard to come by. Patel (31) is optimistic about the home team's support, "I am hopeful that people turn up to support the home team; they will definitely need it."

Addressing the integration of cricket into a sports culture dominated by the NFL, MLB, and NBA, Patel sees the T20 World Cup as a significant milestone. "The T20 World Cup happening in the US is a major indication that cricket is growing rapidly around the world and especially in the USA," he observes.

This event underscores cricket's promising trajectory in the country, which has traditionally been an outsider in the American sports scene.

Youth Enthusiasm In USA and Future Prospects

The excitement among young fans is particularly encouraging for Patel. "Kids around the country are really excited about the fact that cricket is happening in the country, and they don't have to worry about school as it's summer break for most of them. I have come across many kids who are going for the games in NY, Dallas, and Florida," he shares.

Patel believes that fostering a deeper interest among youngsters is the next crucial step. "It should be the next step for USA Cricket to install a cricket program in schools, along with some kind of incentives or sponsorships like other sports, to boost the morale of kids to take up cricket as a career and grow cricket at the grassroots level," he suggests.

Infrastructure and Future Growth of Cricket in USA

While enthusiasm is high, Patel candidly points out current limitations. "Honestly, there is not enough infrastructure at this point, but hopefully, with better financial support and administration, we are on the right path," he notes. The development of cricket infrastructure is essential for sustaining and growing the sport in the US.

Catalysts for Cricket's Growth

Patel sees the T20 World Cup, Major League Soccer (MLS), other T20 leagues, and potential debut of cricket in LA Olympics as critical catalysts for cricket's growth. "Everything depends on how well USA Cricket partners up commercially to grow cricket at grassroots level and create a pathway for players of each age group to eye a national spot," he emphasizes.

Personal Journey and Challenges

Sharing his personal journey, Patel highlights struggles of establishing a cricket career in US. "I grew up playing cricket in India, and it's always competitive. In US, it is very difficult for a player to establish himself due to lack of practice/training facilities and also due to absence of school participation. It gets more difficult for students to take up cricket as professional career in USA," he explains. However, being a professional already, Patel finds it easier to dedicate his time fully to game.

Despite not being part of current T20 World Cup squad, Patel's deep understanding of game and its dynamics in US context is invaluable.