Cricket

Cricket Fever Grips New York as India-Pakistan Rivalry Heats UpNew York City is set to witness a historic moment on Sunday as the United States hosts its first-ever World Cup cricket match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The highly anticipated clash has ignited excitement among cricket enthusiasts and the South Asian community in the Big Apple.The match, played in the T20 format, will be held at the pop-up stadium in Eisenhower Park on Long Island. While tickets have been sold out for months, fans in the bustling Little India neighborhood of Queens expressed disappointment at not being able to attend the game in person due to exorbitant ticket prices.Despite the financial barriers, the rivalry between India and Pakistan remains a captivating spectacle. The two nations have a long history of political tensions, which adds an extra layer of intensity to their cricket matches."India-Pakistan is the game everyone would like to watch," said Ajith Shetty, president of two local cricket leagues. "It's happening in our backyard, and I'm very, very thrilled."Beyond the Indian and Pakistani communities, the match has generated interest among immigrants from other South Asian countries where cricket is popular."Like lion and tiger," is how Faros Ahmed, a Bangladeshi-origin resident, described the rivalry. "Even if I am not Indian, not Pakistani, I am going to watch it because this is a high-voltage match."The match is crucial for Pakistan, which faces elimination in the first round after a surprising loss to the United States. Pakistani journalist Wajahat S. Khan expressed both excitement and trepidation about the upcoming clash."The data doesn't lie. Pakistan is likely to lose. It's likely to be a bloodbath. But you can never write off Pakistan's cricket team. Never."The US win over Pakistan has boosted interest in cricket in the country, where the sport remains relatively unknown. Local cricket organizer Shetty hopes that the tournament will lead to "better infrastructure" for players in the New York area.

The Nassau County International Cricket Ground, located just outside New York City, presents unique challenges for the upcoming World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka. The sandy outfield slows down the ball, while the drop-in pitch offers unpredictable bounce and seam movement.South Africa, aware of these conditions, requested a fielding session at the venue after their nets at Cantiague Park. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will visit the ground for the first time on match day, relying on observations from the warm-up game between India and Bangladesh.Sri Lanka's captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, expressed some dissatisfaction with the team's travel arrangements and the early-morning starts, which require them to arrive at the ground by 7:30 AM. The team's frequent travel, with matches in four different venues, adds to the logistical challenges.South Africa, while acknowledging the logistical hurdles, expressed appreciation for the training facilities at Cantiague Park. Captain Aiden Markram stated that they would have preferred to train at the match venue but understood the limitations.The unique conditions and logistical challenges at the Nassau County International Cricket Ground will test the adaptability and resilience of both South Africa and Sri Lanka as they prepare for their crucial World Cup encounter.

Gujarat Titans' star spinner Rashid Khan has revealed the arduous journey he endured after undergoing back surgery following the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Despite being advised by doctors to undergo surgery before the tournament, Khan opted to delay it to represent his country."I had to play in the World Cup. I cannot say no to the World Cup," Khan said.To manage the pain, Khan took injections before the tournament. However, his condition worsened after Afghanistan's victory over Pakistan."I could not sleep. I would sleep only at four or five in the morning at times. The only way I could sleep was by taking sleeping tablets and painkillers," he recalled.During the final three matches of the World Cup, Khan played at a mere 40% fitness, relying on painkillers to keep going. His back issues affected his bending and caused pain down to his shins.After the tournament, Khan underwent surgery. The doctor informed him that a failed surgery could end his career, leaving him anxious."I was so tense the whole night before the surgery. I didn't tell my family that I was having surgery," he said.Following the surgery, Khan experienced relief from pain but was eager to return to the game. He thanked the Gujarat Titans staff, particularly Ashish Nehra and Naeem Amin, for their support during his recovery.However, the surgery has impacted his bowling, particularly his wrong'un. Khan consulted with the franchise's video analyst, Sandeep Raju, who identified that he was not hitting his lengths correctly."I am just using the fingers. There is nothing wrong with my back, but I only had this fear in my mind: what if the injury resurfaced?" Khan explained.After spot bowling sessions, Khan regained confidence in his back and has since performed well for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.