New Delhi: Former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh took to the screens of “Good Morning America” to bridge the gap between cricket and its American audience, shedding light on the nuances of the sport ahead of the much-anticipated Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Joined by host Michael Anthony Strahan and popular weathercaster Sam Champion, Yuvraj Singh shared his excitement about cricket’s foray into the American sports scene. As the ambassador of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Singh expressed his eagerness to witness the USA’s response to the cricketing extravaganza, foreseeing a surge in the sport’s popularity across the nation.
“I never imagined cricket being played in America. It’s very exciting,” said Singh, reminiscing about the inaugural T20 World Cup triumph with India. He emphasized the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) efforts in constructing new stadiums and envisioned Americans embracing the sport.
ALSO READ: Stellantis Names Shailesh Hazela as New CEO and Managing Director
The T20 World Cup, is currently underway from June 1 to 29, will be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies across nine venues, with three venues situated in the United States. Notably, the Nassau County Cricket Ground in New York, a modular venue constructed within a few months, is set to host several matches, including the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash on June 9.
The ICC’s decision to bestow co-hosting rights upon the USA underscores cricket’s ambition to expand beyond traditional strongholds. This move aligns with cricket’s return to the Olympics, confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, signaling the sport’s global aspirations.
During his appearance, Yuvraj Singh elucidated the disparities between cricket and baseball, often questioned by Americans unfamiliar with the sport. Drawing parallels, Singh highlighted similarities in swings between the two sports, noting cricket’s emphasis on technique and strategy, contrasting with baseball’s rapid pace and shorter decision-making window.
As anticipation mounts for the T20 World Cup, the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas saw the tournament’s opening clash between the USA and Canada on June 1, kicking off a thrilling month-long spectacle of cricketing prowess.
