Cricket is spreading its wings. Someone like the great Vivian Richards, the West Indian legend, had some years ago wished that this should happen after his experience of seeing the huge enthusiasm for the sport, particularly the T20 variety in the Gulf region. Now the big-time event in cricket, the T20 world cup has arrived in the USA which along with West Indies are hosting this marquee championship this time. Not that cricket is new to America, the Major League Cricket is there and indeed India and West Indies had played a few matches of their 2016 and 2023 T20 series there. But for a country which has hosted the Olympics multiple times and even the World Cup football (1994), this will be a first, a World Cup cricket on its soil. What better indication than that, thanks to the T20 version, cricket is truly becoming a global event if not still comparable yet to soccer. But the big march has begun. Indeed, the USA would look at this major championship as one more effort to strengthen the interest for this sport in the country and there is another reason. The 2028 edition of the Olympics is to be hosted by the USA and cricket (men and women) is one of the disciplines planned.

That much for USA’s interest and enthusiasm but for the cricket lovers around the world it is another occasion to delve into the thrills of the bat and ball that T20 always promises. The just concluded........

© Mathrubhumi English