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While the ODI World Cup 2023 in India is set to commence on October 5, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is already gearing up for the T20 World Cup next year, scheduled for June. In a historic move, the global showpiece event will be jointly hosted by West Indies and the United States of America (USA), marking the first time that the USA will host World Cup matches.
USA’s cricket ambitions take shape
The USA have long been a target for cricket’s expansion, and the success of the Major League Cricket’s (MLC) first season earlier this year has bolstered efforts to establish the sport in the country. The ICC, in partnership with the cricket authorities, has now confirmed three major venues for the T20 World Cup in the USA. These venues include Grand Prairie in Dallas, Broward County in Florida, and Nassau County in New York.
Modular stadium solutions to enhance facilities
According to ICC, to ensure the readiness of these venues for the global event, modular stadium solutions will be implemented to increase seating capacity, media facilities, and premium hospitality areas. Notably, a 34,000-seat modular stadium is slated for construction in Eisenhower Park, Nassau County, New York, pending the necessary permits.
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ICC’s enthusiasm for cricket’s growth in the USA
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his excitement about announcing these venues for the T20 World Cup 2024, which will feature 20 teams.
We’re delighted to announce the three USA venues that will host part of the biggest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ever staged, with 20 teams competing for the trophy. The USA is a strategically important market and these venues give us an excellent opportunity to make a statement in the world’s biggest sport market,” Allardice said in a statement.
He further emphasized the growing awareness of cricket’s vast fanbase and its potential to unite diverse communities in the USA.
We explored a number of potential venue options in the country, and we were hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm the event generated amongst prospective hosts, reinforcing the growing awareness around cricket’s massive fanbase and its power to unite diverse communities,” the 56-year-old concluded.
Tournament format and participating teams
The 2024 T20 World Cup will feature an initial round with 20 teams divided into four groups of five each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, where they will be split into two groups of four. The top two sides from each Super Eight group will proceed to the semi-finals.
Participating teams in the tournament will include host nations West Indies and the USA, along with Australia, defending champions England and others sides including India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
Ireland, Scotland and Papua New Guinea have already secured their spots, while regional qualifiers in the Americas, Asia, and Africa are yet to take place. The T20 World Cup in the USA promises to be a landmark event in cricket’s global expansion.
Venue for India vs. Pakistan showdown
One of the marquee clashes in the T20 World Cup 2024 will undoubtedly be the showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The ICC has now confirmed the venue for this highly anticipated clash in the United States. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the epic encounter is set to take place in New York.
