Will Simpson’s Post

Cricket: From Small-town England to a Worldwide Icon Did you know that the Cricket World Cup is being co-hosted in the USA and the West Indies?  “No!” What about the fact that the U.S. not only has a team participating in the tournament, but that they beat Pakistan, one of the greats at the sport?   “Read something about that.” Well you have to have heard that cricket is being included in the Olympic Games after a 128 year hiatus.  “Nah, hadn’t heard that either.” Okay, let’s take a step back and take it from the beginning.   With the establishment of the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1787, cricket transitioned from a rural pastime in 16th-century England to a recognized sport in the 18th century. The first international cricket matches and the growth of county cricket took off in the 19th century. The 20th century saw the globalization of cricket thanks to the ICC, ODIs, and the World Cup. Innovations such as the T20 format, IPL, and DRS technology were introduced in the 21st century. International appeal for cricket has increased due to the growth of women's cricket. Today, there are an estimated 2.5 billion cricket fans worldwide, mostly in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, England, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the West Indies. Global viewership for major events like the IPL and the ICC Cricket World Cup reaches hundreds of millions of people.  The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is “expected to be watched by more than 400 million people. For context, 2024's Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs attracted around 125million viewers.”  - Wikipedia The Future of Cricket: Cricket's on the cusp of Olympic glory in 2028 LA! But a dedicated US fanbase is key. The ongoing T20 World Cup acts as the perfect launchpad. This action-packed format with international stars is unlike anything American sports fans have seen. Witnessing Team USA battle cricketing giants like Pakistan and winning can spark a newfound love for the sport's strategy and skill. This World Cup isn't just about the game; it's a cultural exchange, introducing vibrant traditions and passionate supporters. A successful T20 World Cup can ignite American cricket fandom, paving the way for a roaring Olympic debut and a bright future for the sport in the USA. The players may not be household names here in the US - Yet, but I have a feeling that will change because of this tournament and the 2028 Olympics.  We have outlined the top 10 cricket players in the graphic. 

Cricket Fans Gather in New York for the India-Pakistan World Cup Match Who Cares? Oh, only about 400 million people! Data sourced from Forbes: The Astonishing Ticket Sales for India-Pakistan Cricket T20 World Cup Match in New York. 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup: Cricket fans from all over are descending on New York this weekend to watch one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world: the India-Pakistan World Cup match. And for the first time for South Asian Americans, the match is in their backyard. As a newly constructed stadium on Long Island braces for thousands on Sunday, those on both sides reflect on the gravity of the matchup, and how it means much more to them than just another sporting event. For fans, the match can be a forum for long-standing tensions between the two countries, divided in 1947 by the British partition of the subcontinent. A Rivalry Beyond Sports “Fans from both sides of the border get really emotional about it,” said Vishal Misra, a Columbia University professor and the founder of Cricinfo, a popular cricket coverage website that was later sold to ESPN. “There are some political undertones to it; India and Pakistan have fought wars. … Sometimes the cricket game acts as a proxy.” Misra, a fan of the Indian national team since childhood, said that for decades, fans have projected many feelings onto the matchup, which is one of the most watched sporting events in the world each time the teams meet at the World Cup. According to The New York Times, Sunday’s match is set to be watched by 400 million people, compared to 125 million who tuned in to this year’s Super Bowl. High Ticket Prices for Cricket Fans in New York  Genuine cricket fans have expressed frustration over being priced out of games in New York, where ticket prices have been significantly higher compared to Dallas, Lauderhill, Florida, and the Caribbean. The India-Pakistan match on June 9 has been the most sought-after, with tickets initially priced between $175-$400 and oversubscribed more than 200 times the allocation. Additional tickets released during the week were quickly sold out, with general admission starting at $300 and resales on StubHub exceeding $600, down from earlier prices over $2000. Hospitality tickets were still available for $2500-$10,000 just hours before the match. The financial stakes are high, with the 34,000-seat modular cricket stadium in Long Island costing around $30 million. Officials are confident the investment will be recouped through ticketing and hospitality, particularly from the India-Pakistan fixture, which is expected to generate around $15 million at the gate. What is your prediction for the game? Which team do you think will take the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments! #INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup2024  #CWC2024  #CricketWorldCup #TeamIndia #PakistanCricket #CricketFever #MatchDay #DesiCricket #Kenasolutions #LongIslandCricket

Cricket Fans Gather in New York for the India-Pakistan World Cup Match Who Cares? Oh, only about 400 million people! Data sourced from Forbes: The Astonishing Ticket Sales for India-Pakistan Cricket T20 World Cup Match in New York. 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup: Cricket fans from all over are descending on New York this weekend to watch one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world: the India-Pakistan World Cup match. And for the first time for South Asian Americans, the match is in their backyard. As a newly constructed stadium on Long Island braces for thousands on Sunday, those on both sides reflect on the gravity of the matchup, and how it means much more to them than just another sporting event. For fans, the match can be a forum for long-standing tensions between the two countries, divided in 1947 by the British partition of the subcontinent. A Rivalry Beyond Sports “Fans from both sides of the border get really emotional about it,” said Vishal Misra, a Columbia University professor and the founder of Cricinfo, a popular cricket coverage website that was later sold to ESPN. “There are some political undertones to it; India and Pakistan have fought wars. … Sometimes the cricket game acts as a proxy.” Misra, a fan of the Indian national team since childhood, said that for decades, fans have projected many feelings onto the matchup, which is one of the most watched sporting events in the world each time the teams meet at the World Cup. According to The New York Times, Sunday’s match is set to be watched by 400 million people, compared to 125 million who tuned in to this year’s Super Bowl. High Ticket Prices for Cricket Fans in New York Genuine cricket fans have expressed frustration over being priced out of games in New York, where ticket prices have been significantly higher compared to Dallas, Lauderhill, Florida, and the Caribbean. The India-Pakistan match on June 9 has been the most sought-after, with tickets initially priced between $175-$400 and oversubscribed more than 200 times the allocation. Additional tickets released during the week were quickly sold out, with general admission starting at $300 and resales on StubHub exceeding $600, down from earlier prices over $2000. Hospitality tickets were still available for $2500-$10,000 just hours before the match. The financial stakes are high, with the 34,000-seat modular cricket stadium in Long Island costing around $30 million. Officials are confident the investment will be recouped through ticketing and hospitality, particularly from the India-Pakistan fixture, which is expected to generate around $15 million at the gate. What is your prediction for the game? Which team do you think will take the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments! #T20WorldCup2024 #CWC2024 #CricketWorldCup #TeamIndia #PakistanCricket #CricketFever #MatchDay #DesiCricket #Kenasolutions

The sport of cricket continues to make its mark on the western coast with the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Yesterday, the El-Classico of cricket, India vs Pakistan, took place in New York. As a curious sports fan, Michael Dominski attended his first cricket match and was captivated by the vibrant, festival-like atmosphere and passionate fans from all over North America. Known for its intense rivalry, the match showcased remarkable camaraderie and sportsmanship among fans. According to Michael, the game was an emotional rollercoaster, with India’s dramatic comeback igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. This demonstrates that with Major League Cricket and the sport’s return to the Olympics in 2028, cricket is poised for growth in the US. Michael says he is now a cricket convert and is excited to see its evolution here. Reading Michael's article, I came away with a question: Can cricket overtake other popular Western sports like the NBA, Super Bowl, or soccer leagues? What do you think? #Cricket #T20WorldCup #SportsFan #NewExperiences #USCricket The Athletic Reference -

Steve Finn's ideas for revitalising the #icccricketworldcup make for an interesting read. I totally agree that this format is not good for what is supposed to be a showpiece event. Finn's correct. There is little jeopardy. The competition is set up to ensure that four of the top nations are always there at the end. Even given England's atrocious performances, India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand still qualified for the semi-finals. The 2027 version of the 🏏 World Cup involving 14 nations is far better. And to pick up on a couple of Finn's suggestions, going back to one ball is an obvious one. And I also think that the suggestion of making the competition a 40 over one makes sense. Okay, it's not revolutionary, and it's nothing that hasn't been suggested before. But if the one day game is at risk - as we're often told it is, then surely something radical like reducing 50 over matches to 40 is worth considering? There is still that lull in the middle overs where teams preserve wickets for the final onslaught. Reducing the matches to 40 overs means you would still have that middle period, but it just wouldn't be as long and as boring (as it sometimes can be). Franchise cricket is in danger of taking over (not everyone will see this as a bad thing). There is no reason why T20 competitions can't coexist with ICC events. But I believe the Cricket World Cup needs a serious upgrade if it is going to remain relevant. If the International Cricket Council is serious about preserving the ODI game and saving their showpiece event, they may need to think outside the box a bit more. Interesting thoughts, and certainly some ideas worth debating 🤔 https://lnkd.in/d9YvwHTF

IF THE BIGGEST UPSET IN T20 CRICKET HISTORY OCCURS BUT NO ONE WATCHES, DID IT REALLY HAPPEN? The Biggest Upset in T20 Cricket History? Do you know when this happened? It was last week in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This win may be up there in the likes of Saudi Arabia beating Argentina in 2022 or Senegal beating France in 2002. BUT THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE? Despite the magnitude of the US team's victory over Pakistan, the historic match received surprisingly little mainstream media coverage and was difficult for fans to watch on television. In the United States, the match was broadcast exclusively on Willow TV, a niche cricket channel with limited reach. Many sports fans were unaware the game was even taking place, as major US media outlets like ESPN and Fox Sports did not report extensively on the T20 World Cup. Internationally, the match was overshadowed by other high-profile games and storylines during the tournament. With the US team still a relative minnow in world cricket, their triumph over Pakistan did not generate the same level of buzz as other upsets involving more established cricketing nations. "It's a shame that such an incredible achievement by the US team didn't get the attention it deserved," said cricket journalist Isabelle Westbury. "They pulled off a win that will go down in history, but many fans around the world missed out because the match wasn't widely televised or reported on." The lack of exposure highlights the ongoing challenges facing cricket in the United States Despite the national team's success, the sport continues to struggle for mainstream popularity and media coverage in the country. DISRUPTIVE PLAY –-> Cricket is not the only Sport to be challenged, with the NFL and NBA sucking up $200 Billion + in rights fees over the next 10 years, how can sports properties reimagine their future ?

T20 World Cup: Can Cricket Make Inroads In Baseball-Loving America? Cricket globally is driven by India but the International Cricket Council sees huge potential in the American market and claims there are already 30 million fans that follow the game in the massive country. Press Trust of India Updated: May 27, 2024 01:40 PM IST T20 World Cup: Can Cricket Make Inroads In Baseball-Loving America? Cricket globally is driven by India but the International Cricket Council sees huge potential in the American market and claims there are already 30 million fans that follow the game in the massive country. Press Trust of India Updated: May 27, 2024 01:40 PM IST Read Time: 4 min T20 World Cup trophy © X (Twitter) Cricket, a popular pastime in the United States in the mid 1800s, makes a big-ticket return to North American shores through the T20 Word Cup but will it be able to leave an impression on the local audience that knows little to nothing about the gentleman's game? Cricket globally is driven by India but the International Cricket Council sees huge potential in the American market and claims there are already 30 million fans that follow the game in the massive country. The T20 showpiece is also seen as a major stepping stone to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will make a comeback after 128 years when the big event kicks off on June 1. A total of 16 games will be played across three venues -- New York, Dallas and Lauderhill -- with a majority of 55 matches scheduled in the Caribbean including the knock-outs. Day three of the competition will have South Africa and Sri Lanka battling it out in New York, where the first ever international cricket game was held between USA and Canada back in 1844. It was a phase when the sport was played widely across America before a much faster alternative in Baseball gained prominence during the Civil War in the 1860s. "...(T20) it's entertainment and that's what people look for. That's what Americans look for, you know, they want entertainment," says legendary West Indian Brian Lara, one of the most recognisable cricketers in the world but someone who admits that he could walk around Miami without getting a second look. "You know, you speak to an American and I've done that many times and they'd say 'you play a game for five days and then you end up in a draw? What's that all about?' So it's, it is difficult," he explains the challenge of selling Test cricket to an American, who might just warm up to the shortest format though. A couple of weeks of international cricket in an alien land will not be enough to evoke long-lasting interest from the local audience and to ensure the game grows beyond the South Asian and Caribbean expat community, the stakeholders will need more time. For a beginner, cricket can be rather complex to understand especially when one is introduced to "third man", "fine leg" or "deep mid-wicket", some of the terms used for the many field placements in the game.

Cricket's 100-year slumber in the USA is broken by a stunning shock https://ift.tt/h2d1yTM Cricket needs something unique to take off in America. Drama, entertainment, excellent technique, and a dash of anarchy were all necessary. Cricket had delivered, too, when the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup shocked the reigning champions, Pakistan, in a historic super-over climax in Texas. In 2019, the United States participated in their first World Cup, played their first T20 international, and faced Pakistan for the first time. After the UAE and Nepal, they are rated 18th in the globe. When this tournament was last held in 2022, Pakistan made it to the finals and took first place in 2009. Though this is the land of opportunity, this was not intended to happen. This was Texas, after all, where everything is magnified. "Overcoming Pakistan is a significant accomplishment," said US captain Monank Patel. "Team USA is having a tremendous day. For the USA cricket community as well, not only for the USA. of New York, the venue for the remaining matches of the tournament, the sluggish pitches have dominated conversations and resulted in dull, low-scoring games. However, Texas has supplied the pyrotechnics, the model that demonstrates that cricket in the United States can succeed and be excellent. And this is all happening in the backyard of the Dallas Cowboys, the most valued club in the NFL. In the first match against Canada, Aaron Jones' ten sixes set the tone for the tournament in a spectacular way. Against Pakistan, however, they prevailed because to a team effort of cohesion, enthusiasm, and steely nerves. Former Netherlands all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate commented on BBC Test Match Special, "I've got shivers down my spine." "I understand how challenging this is, having come from an associate countries myself. "However, what a day to remember and a boost for American cricket. This is the perfect marketing tool if you've ever wanted to convey to Americans the essence of this fantastic game." This might be the game that transforms cricket as we know it in the United States, where Major League Cricket is one of the newest and most glamorous T20 franchise leagues in the world and where the sport will return in 2028 for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. "Beating Pakistan in the World Cup is going to open numerous opportunities for us," said Monank. "Hosting the World Cup in the USA as well as performing here as a team, it helps us to develop the cricket in the USA." The United States of America is an associate member of the International Cricket Council, whereas Pakistan is one of its twelve full members. This implies that while they do not participate in Test matches, they are recognized by the sport's governing organization, just like 93 other nations. "A decent group effort" The post-super over celebrations for the US team showed their emotions and the significance of the outcome. They played Pakistan side by side for the whole for...

The Expanding Horizons of Cricket: USA vs. Canada Opens the T20 World Cup The commencement of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA marks a historic moment for cricket. As the tournament unfolds, I wish to delve into the following three points: 1. Opening Game A decade ago, cricket enthusiasts could hardly imagine a World Cup beginning with a match between the USA and Canada. Historically, Cricket World Cup openers have featured top-tier teams. For instance, the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup opened with a match between New Zealand and Australia, while the 2007 inaugural T20 World Cup saw South Africa face West Indies. The USA vs. Canada opener signifies a bold step towards globalizing cricket, indicating the sport’s expanding reach and popularity beyond traditional boundaries. 2. Hosting the World Cup on US Soil The notion of a Cricket World Cup in the USA was once inconceivable. Americans has predominantly revolved around basketball, soccer, baseball, and ice hockey. Yet, the T20 World Cup being played on American soil is a testament to the relentless efforts of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to globalize cricket. Although the game of cricket. in the USA and Canada is largely driven by Asian communities, with figures like Kuljit Singh Nijjar at the helm of USA Cricket, the game is gaining the initial impetus to become successful in the US soil. 3. Cricket in the American Media The opening game between USA and Canada, and hosting of the world cup per ser, has got some coverage in the USA Media. This coverage represents a noteworthy step in promoting the game across the country. These small but significant steps contribute to increasing cricket’s visibility and acceptance among American audiences, which is essential for the sport’s growth in a new market. Conclusion The mantra ‘One Step at a Time’ aptly describes the ICC’s strategy in promoting cricket in the USA. Hosting a World Cup match on American soil and garnering media attention are significant milestones that signal the beginning of a new era for cricket in North America. If the ICC’s efforts continue to bear fruit, cricket can definitely sneak into the. American sports fabric, vastly enhancing its global appeal. However, for that as cricket lovers, we have to be patient. Authors Twitter handle: @prasanrod.

Breaking Down the T20 World Cup: Group Stage Analysis 📊 Cricket Ottawa provided Sports Media Services for the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Our team was on the ground, capturing all the action and providing real-time updates to our clients. We also produced a series of in-depth analysis pieces that provided insights into the tournament's key moments. Group Stage Analysis: The group stage of the T20 World Cup was full of surprises. Underdogs Ireland and Scotland both pulled off stunning upsets, while favorites India and Pakistan struggled. Here is a breakdown of the key moments from each group: Group 1: Ireland stunned England in the tournament opener. New Zealand beat Australia in a close match. England bounced back with a win over Afghanistan. Ireland upset the West Indies to qualify for the Super 12s. England finished top of the group, followed by New Zealand and Ireland. Group 2: Scotland beat Bangladesh in a thrilling match. Namibia upset Afghanistan. Namibia beat Scotland to qualify for the Super 12s. Bangladesh beat Papua New Guinea to finish third in the group. Scotland finished top of the group, followed by Namibia and Bangladesh. Insights from the Group Stage: The group stage of the T20 World Cup provided some valuable insights into the state of the game. Here are a few of the key takeaways: The gap between the top teams and the rest of the world is narrowing. Underdogs are capable of beating the favorites on any given day. Spin bowling is still a major factor in T20 cricket. The powerplay is a crucial phase of the game. What to Expect in the Super 12s: The Super 12s will be even more competitive than the group stage. The top teams from around the world will be vying for a place in the semi-finals. Here are a few of the key storylines to watch: Can India and Pakistan bounce back from their group stage struggles? Will England continue their good form? Can New Zealand defend their title? Will there be any more upsets from the underdogs? The Super 12s promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament. Cricket Ottawa will be there to provide you with all the latest news and analysis. Catch Every Moment with @Cricket Ottawa #GroupStageBreakdown #CricketFever #CricketOttawa