Star cricketer Virat Kohli of India voiced his surprise at the unanticipated possibility of playing for himself or Team India on American territory during a conversation with the US Consulate in Mumbai. Given that the 20-over World Cup will soon take place there, he stressed how important it was to mark the beginning of cricket’s growing influence around the world, especially in the United States. He applauded the country for being willing to adopt this shift and maybe even for spearheading the global movement.
The much-awaited month of June has finally arrived, signalling the start of the T20 World Cup extravaganza. June looks to be jam-packed with excitement as twenty teams compete in an exciting, high-stakes, intensely contested 20-over cricket match. The US is co-hosting this historic occasion for the first time, with the West Indies serving as the other host nation. This event marks a turning point for cricket, perhaps indicating the sport’s slow assimilation into American sports culture in a country where baseball and basketball have long dominated and captivated the majority of spectators for decades.
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Virat Kohli on Cricket’s Rise in the U.S❤️#viratkohli pic.twitter.com/Ks6BKVgpz6
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat) May 31, 2024
Sincerely, I never imagined that cricket would be played in the United States in any capacity. But it’s a reality now. And it demonstrates the sport’s expanding worldwide influence, as the United States is more than ready to embrace change and will likely be the first to do so on a large scale with the World Cup, according to Kohli, in an interview with the US Consulate in Mumbai.
Additionally, Kohli said that this was a great start and the perfect way to start something big. He hoped that cricket would continue to progress for a long time and predicted a cascading effect.
“It seems like a really good start. It will have a significant influence and be the perfect method to get started, kind of like a domino effect. The 35-year-old continued, “I hope it lasts for a long time.
Along with the MLC, I believe it has a lot of potential: Virat Kohli
Furthering his argument, Kohli said that the sizeable Indian expat community in the US is already supporting and advancing the local cricket scene, possibly having a long-term effect. Pointing to a recent substantial development that has broadened its potential and reach, he emphasised Major League Cricket’s significant involvement in this growth. This, together with the presence of several well-known international cricket players, suggests that the game is heading in the right direction, according to Kohli.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli arrives in New York, warm-up game uncertain
“There are enough Americans from our areas to maintain cricket’s popularity in the country and raise awareness among outsiders of what it’s like to play and watch the sport.” Together with the MLC, I believe it has a lot of potential. Franchise cricket is already being played there. Thus, I believe it’s heading in the correct direction, Kohli said
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