CRICKET IN AMERICA

 Cricket. Nothing excites me more than cricket... said no American ever (at least not since the Civil War). However, this is about to change. As the sport rapidly gains popularity in the country, driven by significant investments and major events, cricket is poised to become a household name in the United States. 

The world of cricket has its eyes on the United States, and the acknowledgment of this is growing reciprocally. Cricketing broadcasters and boards have invested billions of dollars in growing the sport here. United States co-hosted the 2024 World Cup along with the Caribbean Islands, with the games held in New York, South Florida, and Texas in the United States. 

 In the 2024 World Cup, 20 countries competed in 55 bilateral games to seize the trophy. It ensued with group stages, with the victorious moving into the knockout rounds, leading to an action-packed final. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body of cricket, 190,000 spectators watched the matches in various stadiums across the United States.[1]The USA Cricket Team advanced to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.

Besides the World Cup, the United States hosted its first professional cricket tournament season, Major League Cricket (MLC). Launched in July 2023, the games took place in Dallas-Fort Worth and North Carolina, drawing many of the world’s top players. The inaugural season featured six teams from across the country, each representing a growing fanbase that could potentially include you.

 Besides the World Cup, the United States hosted its first professional cricket tournament season, Major League Cricket (MLC). Launched in July 2023, the games took place in Dallas-Fort Worth and North Carolina, drawing many of the world’s top players. The inaugural season featured six teams from across the country, each representing a growing fanbase that could potentially include you.

 The USA women's cricket team has also made significant strides on the international stage, showcasing their talent and determination. Their relentless dedication paid off when they secured a historic victory in the Women’s World Cup Americas Qualifier, earning them a spot in the global qualifiers. This achievement marked a pivotal moment for the team, reflecting their growth and potential in the sport. The squad, known for its dynamic all-rounders and formidable bowlers, has inspired a new generation of female cricketers in the United States. With each match, they continue to break barriers and set new standards, embodying the spirit of resilience and excellence in cricket. The team is gearing up for participation in the Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, aiming to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.

The cricketing excitement doesn’t end here, either. Interestingly enough, cricket and baseball will debut in the Olympics in 2028.

It will be an American city introducing cricket, both men’s and women’s cricket to the Olympics—California’s very own Los Angeles. 

With the Summer Olympics, T20 World Cup, and Major League Cricket serving as upcoming and recent phenomena, you’d be surprised to learn that the world’s second most popular sport (cricket, as you’d contextually decipher) had their first international match in Manhattan, New York. Although the sport originated in Southeast England, the first international game was between the newly independent United States and British Canada in 1844.

Today, cricket is the second most popular spectator sport globally, boasting a staggering following of over 2500 million people. 

  The sport holds ‘national sport status’ in over 15 countries.

Speaking of bat and ball national sports, for Americans who are particularly familiar with baseball, you’d be delighted to hear that the book will reference ‘America’s pastime’ at your mercy. However, familiarity with baseball isn’t necessary, as you’ll quickly grasp the fundamentals despite it.

Cricket was one of America’s oldest sports, paired with lacrosse and baseball. John Thorn, the official historian of the MLB (Major League Baseball), stated that bat and ball sports were national pastimes until the Reformation Era.

In the 1700s, cricket was initially popular in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, eventually increasingly gaining traction across the rest of the country. In Staten Island and Manhattan, local games drew up to 10,000 people, which is impressive considering stadiums barely existed back then.

However, at the turn of the Civil War, the sport’s popularity began to wane. As professional structures and institutions for other sports developed, cricket remained relatively club-based and amateur. The other major roadblock was the Industrial Revolution’s focus on cutting costs, precipitating the preference for the much cheaper baseball bat.

Also, the sport was too slow and relaxed for the new ‘on the dot’ industrializing America. The sport was five days long, totaling 35 hours of game time. (Cricket has now evolved into three formats, with the T-20 format, created in 2003, lasting only two and ahalf hours to three.)

There have been substantial initiatives in the United States to revitalize the sport and restore its traditional relevance. This book aims to educate readers on the sport, guide them in viewing it, and, in a perfect world, urge them to pick up a bat and give it a good ol’ college try.