Cricket

The ninth edition of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup is set to take place in 2024, co-hosted by West Indies and the United States. This will be the first ICC World Cup tournament to be held in the United States. The tournament will feature a record 20 teams, an expansion from 16 teams in the 2022 tournament. Canada and Uganda have qualified for the first time, while the United States will be playing by virtue of being co-hosts.The teams participating in the tournament are:* India* Pakistan* Australia* England* Netherlands* New Zealand* South Africa* Sri Lanka* United States (hosts)* West Indies (hosts)* Afghanistan* Bangladesh* Ireland* Scotland* Papua New Guinea* Canada* Nepal* Oman* Namibia* UgandaThe ICC has shortlisted four venues in the United States and six in West Indies. The following are the groups:* Group A: India (A1), Pakistan (A2), Canada, Ireland, United States* Group B: England (B1), Australia (B2), Namibia, Scotland, Oman* Group C: New Zealand (C1), West Indies (C2), Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, Uganda* Group D: South Africa (D1), Sri Lanka (D2), Bangladesh, Netherlands, NepalThe top two teams from each group will be placed into two groups of four teams each in the Super 8 stage.* Super 8 Stage * Group 1: A1, B2, C1, D2 * Group 2: A2, B1, C2, D1The semifinals will feature the winner of Group 1 vs. the runner-up of Group 2 and the winner of Group 2 vs. the runner-up of Group 1.The tournament will begin on June 1, 2024, with the final scheduled for June 29, 2024.

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, opted to field first after winning the toss in the second T20I against USA at Prairie View in Texas on Thursday. The decision came after Bangladesh's disappointing five-wicket loss in the first game.To bolster their lineup, Bangladesh made two changes to their XI. Litton Das and Mahedi Hasan were replaced by opening batter Tanzid Hasan and medium pacer Tanzim Hasan. Meanwhile, USA, co-hosts of the upcoming T20 World Cup, brought in allrounder Shadley van Schalkwyk for left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige.USA's historic victory over Bangladesh on Tuesday marked their first triumph against a top-ten side in the ICC T20I team rankings. The match also saw Bangladesh concede a record-breaking 54 runs in the last four overs.Harmeet Singh played a pivotal role in USA's victory, smashing an unbeaten 33 off just 13 balls, including three sixes and two fours.

The highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 is set to witness the electrifying rivalry between India and Pakistan on June 9 in New York. This Group A match promises to be a highlight of the tournament, rekindling memories of their last T20 World Cup encounter where Virat Kohli delivered one of the greatest innings in the format's history.Co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, the tournament kicks off on June 1, with the final scheduled for June 29. However, the build-up to the India-Pakistan game has been marred by controversy over ticket pricing.Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has criticized the ICC for allegedly prioritizing profits over promoting the game in the USA. Modi claims that tickets for the marquee clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York are being sold for as much as $20,000 (Rs 16,65,138) per seat in the Diamond Club section.According to the ICC, ticket prices for the India-Pakistan match range from $300 (now sold out) to $10,000. A recent USA Today report further claimed that resale prices for these tickets have soared.Despite the controversy, the anticipation for the India-Pakistan match is palpable, given the historic and emotional significance of their cricket rivalry. India will begin their World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland in New York before facing Pakistan at the same venue. Subsequent matches include a face-off against hosts USA and a final Group A match against Canada.The T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event, with the India-Pakistan clash being one of the most eagerly awaited matches. The tournament will provide a platform for some of the world's best cricketers to showcase their skills and entertain fans around the globe.

Bangladesh and the United States will engage in a three-match T20I series from May 21, providing both teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This series marks the first time these two nations will face off in a T20I encounter.Tuning Up for the T20 World CupThe series will serve as a valuable warm-up for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh will begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Grand Prairie on June 7, while the USA will play their first two matches in the same venue against Canada and Pakistan.Bangladesh Batting in FocusBangladesh's batting performance against Zimbabwe earlier this month raised concerns, with Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto blaming the pitches in Chattogram and Dhaka. The team's highest score while batting first was 165, and they will be eager to improve their batting in Texas.Stuart Law's ImpactStuart Law, the former Bangladesh head coach, will be in the opposing camp as the USA head coach. Law's experience and knowledge of Bangladesh's players could prove valuable for the USA.Catching ConcernsBangladesh will also be looking to address their catching issues. They have dropped eight out of 42 chances in bilateral series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe this year. Improving their catching will be crucial for their success in the T20 World Cup.A Familiar FoeAlthough Bangladesh will face the USA for the first time in international cricket, they are familiar with Corey Anderson, who made his USA debut last month. Anderson's destructive batting against Bangladesh in 2015 will be a concern for the Tigers.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the warm-up matches ahead of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA. India, the inaugural champions of the tournament in 2007, will face Bangladesh in a warm-up match on June 1 at a venue yet to be determined in the USA.The warm-up fixtures will be held across various venues in the USA and Trinidad and Tobago from May 27 to June 1. A total of 17 teams, including South Africa, who will play an intra-squad match on June 29 in Florida, will participate in the warm-up games. These matches will not carry international T20 status, allowing teams to utilize their entire 15-player squad.In a departure from previous cycles, teams now have the option to play up to two warm-up matches, depending on their arrival time for the main event. Notably, the warm-up match between the West Indies and Australia at Queen's Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago on May 30, will be open to fans.Tickets for the matches can be purchased from the official ticketing website or at designated box offices starting from May 16. The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup will kick off on June 1 with a match between co-hosts USA and neighboring Canada.The tournament will feature matches at iconic cricket venues like Kensington Oval in Barbados and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. This marks the first time the USA will host an ICC tournament.The tournament will begin with the 20 teams divided into four groups of five each for the initial round. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage, where they will be divided into two groups of four each. Teams maintaining their seeding from the first round will compete in the Super Eight, provided they qualify.The top two sides from each group in the Super Eight will advance to the semifinals, scheduled to be held in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on June 26 and 27, respectively. The final showdown is set to take place in Barbados on June 29.

Cricket is poised for a significant expansion with the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and its re-entry into the Olympics in 2028. The success of cricket in the US market hinges on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan group league match on June 9 at the Nassau County Stadium.To cater to this pivotal event, the ICC and United States Cricket have meticulously constructed a state-of-the-art stadium in just six months. The Nassau County Ground, with a capacity of 34,000, was inaugurated by legendary sprinter Usain Bolt.Chris Tetley, head of events at the ICC, emphasized that the stadium meets international standards. Its dimensions are comparable to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and it boasts world-class drainage facilities.The stadium's four center wickets and six practice pitches were meticulously prepared in Florida under the supervision of Damian Hough, head curator of Adelaide Oval. The pitches were transported to New York in trucks and are designed to provide pace, bounce, and optimal batting conditions.The stadium's galleries are temporary structures brought in from the Las Vegas Formula One track. They will be removed after the tournament concludes.The India-Pakistan match is expected to be a major draw, with both teams boasting passionate fan bases. The success of this match and the overall tournament will be crucial in determining the future of cricket in the United States.

Eisenhower Park, located in Nassau County, New York, has undergone a remarkable transformation to become the first modular stadium in international cricket. This state-of-the-art venue, with a capacity of 34,000, is set to host eight matches of the upcoming T20 World Cup, including the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan on June 9.The construction of Eisenhower Park was a monumental undertaking, completed in just five months. The project involved erecting a stadium on what was previously park land, as well as preparing and transporting drop-in pitches from Florida. Ten drop-in pitches were installed in the main square, along with six additional pitches for practice. The pitches were meticulously prepared by Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions, while the outfield was constructed by LandTek Group, a renowned turf-making company.The ICC will conduct test events at Eisenhower Park in the lead-up to the World Cup, which begins on June 1. The first match at the venue will be played on June 3 between South Africa and Sri Lanka. Prior to the main tournament, a warm-up match between Bangladesh and India will be held on June 1.ICC's head of events, Chris Tetley, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project, stating that Eisenhower Park now resembles a world-class cricket stadium. He also emphasized that community cricket events will be held in May to test the infrastructure and operational demands.Tickets for the T20 World Cup matches in New York are still available, including for the India vs Pakistan match. Fans are encouraged to visit tickets.t20worldcup.com to secure their seats.

The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York is nearing completion ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The stadium's four drop-in pitches, cultivated with native Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass, have been installed, while the north and south premium hospitality and media pavilions are on track for imminent completion.Additional tickets for all matches at the stadium, including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash, will be available through hospitality packages that include food and beverages. Fans can secure their place in history by purchasing tickets on the official T20 World Cup website.The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium will host its inaugural match on June 3, when Sri Lanka faces South Africa in their opening Group D encounter. The 34,000-capacity stadium will also witness the much-awaited clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on June 9.Anticipation for the T20 World Cup continues to soar, fueled by the release of the official anthem, "Out of this World," performed by Grammy award-winning artist Sean Paul and Soca superstar Kes. The anthem has captured the excitement and global reach of the tournament.ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley expressed his delight at the progress of the stadium's construction. "As we reach the final stages of construction of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, we are delighted to see a world-class facility ready for the best cricketers in the world," he said. "We can't wait to see fans experience their own bit of history, with hospitality options across all matches in New York, including India and Pakistan, we would encourage fans to book now before they sell out."The T20 World Cup is set to be a global spectacle, bringing together the world's top cricketers and passionate fans. The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium will serve as a fitting stage for some of the most thrilling and memorable matches in the tournament's history.

Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter and Jamaican icon, has been appointed as the ambassador for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, set to take place in the West Indies and the United States. This prestigious tournament will showcase the pinnacle of international cricket, and Bolt's involvement is expected to generate immense excitement and enthusiasm.Growing up in Jamaica, cricket has always held a special place in Bolt's heart. He played the sport in his youth and remains an avid fan. As the ambassador, Bolt aims to leverage his global platform to promote cricket and inspire a new generation of players."Coming from the Caribbean where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart," Bolt said. "I am honored to be part of such a prestigious tournament and contribute to the growth of cricket globally."The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup will feature some of the world's best cricketers, competing in a thrilling format that emphasizes power-hitting and fast-paced action. Bolt believes that the tournament will be a spectacle for fans, particularly in the Caribbean, where cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture."I expect dancing, music, and high energy in the matches in the Caribbean," Bolt said. "The World Cup will also go a long way towards making the USA a bigger cricket center than it currently is."Bolt recognizes the potential for cricket to grow in the United States, a country with a vast sports market. He believes that the T20 World Cup can serve as a catalyst for the sport's expansion in the region."America believes a lot in sport and high intensity," Bolt said. "If we bring energy like I know we will for the T20 [World Cup], it is going to be wonderful."Beyond the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Bolt is also excited about the return of cricket to the Olympic Games in 2028. The sport will make its comeback in Los Angeles, with both men's and women's T20Is featured."Getting a gold medal is such a big thing," Bolt said. "Every sport tries to get into the Olympics because it is such a great feeling to be on a podium winning that gold medal."Usain Bolt's appointment as the ambassador for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup is a testament to his enduring popularity and his passion for cricket. His involvement is expected to generate significant interest in the tournament and contribute to the growth of the sport worldwide.