ICC hoping India-West Indies T20I series will promote cricket in USA
International Cricket Council (ICC) have approved the scheduled 2-match T20I series between India and West Indies at the end of this month in Florida. With Unites States of America Cricket Association (USACA) currently suspended from membership, cricket’s apex body has the responsibility to sanction all games in USA.
In a press release, ICC’s Chief Executive Dave Richardson said, “The ICC has approved these matches because we believe they can play a significant role in the long-term development of cricket in the USA and our ongoing efforts to unify the USA cricket community.”
He added, “Having the ICC World T20 Champions playing India in Florida will undoubtedly inspire both existing and new fans and players, but perhaps more importantly, the sanction fees will be invested into the ICC’s ongoing work to lay a sustainable foundation for the development of cricket in America.”
Set to be held on the 27th and 28th at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, the series was arranged to predominantly tap into the NRI and Indian-origin community.
Keen to formulate a plan to develop the sport in the region, Richardson hoped, “This, along with ongoing investment from the ICC to help grow the sport in the USA will be used for specific programs as part of the ICC’s long-term strategic framework in the USA.”
“In line with this strategy, we are working with our stakeholders in the USA on the development of a new constitution and governance structure that the entire USA cricket community can unify behind.”
Also Read: India vs West Indies 2016 – Star India grabs broadcast rights for T20 series in the USA
Meanwhile, Ben Kavanagh of ICC Americas offered an insight into how ICC have been working in order to take cricket to the grassroots level in USA by improving the facilities and holding international tournaments.
Kavanagh revealed, “We are working at a number of levels across the sport in the US at the moment including facilitating events such as the ICC World Cricket League tournament that will be held in Los Angeles, as well as the preparation of the US team and the development of facilities.“
Elaborating on the need for sustained development, he affirmed,“We will also look to explore how a proportion of the money can be invested locally in Florida around the matches through school and community engagement, but it is important that this is part of a wider plan for cricket there and not just a one-off exercise.”