THE ROAR of fans at a stadium near New York during the India-Pakistan clash at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 might have seemed out of place in a country where baseball and basketball dominate. However, cricket's roots in the US run deeper than many realise.
Cricket arrived in the US as early as 1709, gaining popularity in elite academic institutions by the 19th century. However, after independence, as America distanced itself from British colonial influence, cricket was overshadowed by baseball, its homegrown alternative. Now, over three centuries later, it is making an unexpected comeback.
Baseball and basketball generate billions in revenue in the US, while cricket, predominantly played by immigrants (mainly from India), would have to build mass appeal among locals. Crickets growing financial potential has contributed to its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But how much can the Olympics boost cricket's presence in the US? Venu Pisike, Chairman of the Board of Directors at USA Cricket, the body that promotes cricket at all levels in the country, feels the T20 World Cup, held last year in the West Indies and US, was a breakthrough. “The big moment was the T20 India-Pakistan match (held in the US), and a lot of people got excited about it,” he says with a grin.
GLOBAL SPORT?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
VINE TO VINO
Calling all wine lovers to explore India's wine trails and vineries
TIGHT FINISHES AT TOLLY
RAZOR-SHARP COMPETITION WAS THE ORDER OF THE DAY FOR ROYAL RANTHAMBORE BT GOLF'S KOLKATA LEG AT THE HISTORIC TOLLYGUNGE CLUB
Helping More Indians Fly
We need to think and dream big, and combine that with flawless and speedy execution, accompanied by deep reforms
Fighting The Dragon
China's subsidies and export strategy have accelerated its dominance in the EV space. Amid fears of EV 'dumping', can India withstand the Chinese onslaught?
Buckle up for the Ride of a Lifetime
Many IPOs flunked, while several fell below ethical governance standards, and quite a few bombed. However, the capital markets have their own way of self-regulating excesses
❝Slow down but stay involved"
IndiQube provides flexible workspaces
Ready for Take-off
Total passenger traffic has grown from around 120 million to over 236 million per annum. Indian aviation sector continues to soar, and the best is yet to come
BURMANS IN CONTROL
After a long battle, the Burman family has seized control of Religare. It needs to infuse money and get it back on track
Reimagining India's Public Sector
India's policies since 1991 have been to get government out of business' way. Robust public sector is needed for providing basic needs equitably
No Theme Lasts Forever
A sensible investment strategy involves ignoring the noise and using a systematic criterion to pick assets. A good investment strategy can be boring
