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T20 Cricket World Cup 2024: A landmark event for globalising cricket
Since the first tournament was held in South Africa in 2007, the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup hasn’t failed to bring excitement and drama to cricket fans worldwide. This year, the ninth edition of the men’s tournament was even more special as it was hosted jointly by the West Indies and, for the first time, the United States. As someone deeply involved in cricket, I can confidently say this was a massive step forward in the ICC’s efforts to globalise the game and introduce cricket to new audiences.
T20 cricket, introduced in 2003, revolutionised the game by offering a shorter, more dynamic version that appeals to both traditional fans and new audiences. The format, with its emphasis on aggressive batting, quick scoring, and strategic bowling, has made cricket more accessible and thrilling, especially for younger viewers.
As a former cricketer, I’ve seen firsthand how T20 cricket has transformed the sport. The shorter format has levelled the playing field, giving every team a chance to shine, and this year’s World Cup was a perfect example of that. In traditional Test Matches and, to a certain extent, in One Day Internationals, it is the more experienced teams who tend to win. However, in T20 the outcome is certainly not as clear-cut and a simple mistake or two can change the trajectory of the match. T20 has additionally made Test Matches, which can last up to five days, more exciting and is producing more creative and even fitter cricketers, making the sport much less conservative than before.
The 2024 T20 World Cup was historic not just because of the thrilling matches but because it marked the first time the US hosted part of the tournament. Games were held in three venues - Texas, New York, and Florida - and the response was overwhelming. The attendance at these matches was heartening, proving there is a real appetite for cricket in America. This wasn’t just a win for the tournament; it was a win for the future of cricket. I was amazed by the passion and support from the fans, especially in Dallas, where the Nepalese community turned out in huge numbers. Seeing thousands of fans in replica shirts cheering their team on was incredible. It showed that cricket is not just a game played in traditional strongholds but is embraced by diverse communities around the world.
This year’s T20 World Cup was more than just a tournament; it was a pivotal moment in the history of cricket.
The inclusion of US venues in this World Cup is part of the ICC’s broader plan to grow cricket globally, and I believe it’s only the beginning. I was particularly impressed with the temporary stadium that was set up in New York. I visited the site in March when it was just an open area, and by the time the tournament started, it had been transformed into a world-class cricket stadium. Although it was a temporary structure, it was built to the highest standards and provided a fantastic environment for both players and fans.
There is tremendous potential for cricket in the US, especially if we can get total American participation. It’s crucial that we introduce cricket at all levels - not just men’s cricket but also women’s cricket and at the grassroots level in schools and universities. I know there’s already a university in Philadelphia that includes cricket in its curriculum, and I believe this is the way forward. Cricket in the US is on the rise, and the Caribbean stands to benefit from this growth, especially with the strong Caribbean and South Asian communities in America.
The Caribbean, as always, was the beating heart of the tournament, where the atmosphere is unmatched. Our fans brought their usual energy and passion to every match. We had games across six islands, including Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad, all of which offered top-notch facilities.
One of the highlights for me was seeing the so-called “smaller” teams rise to the occasion. The US team exceeded expectations, Afghanistan made it to the semifinals, and Nepal nearly pulled off an upset against South Africa. These performances show that cricket is truly on the rise globally, and that’s what makes T20 cricket so special - everyone has a chance to win, and the excitement is palpable.
As we look to the future, I’m excited about where cricket is headed. The upcoming inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a huge step forward, and I’m confident that it will help cement the sport’s place in the US and beyond. Personally, I’m committed to doing everything I can to support the growth of cricket. Whether it’s coaching kids, speaking at academies, or working with the ICC to spread the game, I’m passionate about making cricket a truly global sport.
This year’s T20 World Cup was more than just a tournament; it was a pivotal moment in the history of cricket. I’m incredibly proud of how the event turned out, especially here in the Caribbean, where we welcomed fans from all over the world and showcased what makes our region so special. Cricket is on the rise, and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting journey.
* Written by Sir Richie Richardson, legendary cricketer and iconic figure in Antigua. As a former West Indies captain, he played a pivotal role in cricket’s golden era. Post-retirement, he has become an ambassador for Antigua, promoting sports and tourism, while also serving as a representative for the International Cricket Council (ICC).
