The United States faces an uphill task in setting up the necessary cricketing infrastructure. (AFP photo)
England, which was allotted the 2030 edition of the T20 World Cup along with Scotland and Ireland, could swap the hosting rights with the West Indies and the USA.
There is growing talk about preparations in the USA ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup and the lack of proper infrastructure in the region remains a cause for concern. The United States co-hosts the marquee event with the West Indies, but the current infrastructure situation in the country, which is not ready to host a multi-nation ICC tournament, has forced decision makers to consider alternatives. Still working.
With only 12 months to go, the United States faces an uphill task of creating the cricket infrastructure needed to make the event a success.
News18 Cricket Next It is reliably learned that the ICC is likely to request England to host the event. As per the November 2021 ICC release, which confirmed the 14 host nations of white-ball events from 2024–2031, England, Ireland and Scotland were allocated the 2030 T20 World Cup.
It is likely that England will be requested to swap with West Indies and USA as cricketing activities come to a standstill in most parts of the world during that period. Serious consideration is underway to host the 2024 edition in England, Ireland and Scotland and then handing the duties back to the West Indies and the USA for 2030. The move could give the USA enough time to host a big event like the T20. world Cup.
“There is a situation at hand. The current infrastructure situation in USA is not very encouraging and there is a possibility that ICC may swap the hosts for 2024 and 2030 event. This will give USA Cricket infrastructure before 2030. Will allow to receive and allow them to organize the house as well.
Right now, the process of preparing the venues is too early. England had already been allotted the 2030 World Cup and they may host an event in June-July, unlike other countries,” said one tracking the development from close quarters.
Over the past few months, News18 CricketNext reached out to several stakeholders in the US and none of them seemed optimistic on the state of infrastructure. A former official, who has closely observed the administrative and infrastructure situation, feels hosting a prestigious tournament like the T20 World Cup in the US would be too risky as there are no venues as of now.
“Where will you host it? I can tell you from the ICC site visit which took place recently, several parks, free spaces with some green area are being explored for a modular set-up for the World Cup. The modular stand and everything else is also modular in nature. But it is also going to be a difficult task to accomplish and even if they do, not entirely sure whether it will meet the ICC standards There are a lot of ICC checklists for a venue and I highly doubt that modular or temporary venues will make the cut,” says a cricket administrator who has served USA Cricket in the past and continues to keep a close eye on matters.
Dr. Atul Rai, who is the former interim president of USA Cricket and is still on the board, said last month that the current situation in the USA would make it “very difficult” to host the World Cup as the existing facilities are not equal to are not. an ICC event.
“Not necessarily. I don’t think so. Not where we stand now. But then the ICC has to take the final call. But without proper infrastructure, nothing is going to happen. We don’t have any existing facilities, so it’s up to the ICC.” But depends on whether they will invest money in a temporary venue and even host some games. But to be honest it is a very tough situation. ICC has also acknowledged it.
“Even the one in Florida (Central Broward Regional Park Stadium turf ground in Lauderhill) needs a lot of work. Even the stadium, which regularly hosts India-West Indies matches, is Not suitable for the event. No one else is capable of hosting a big event like the World Cup. So they (ICC) were looking for temporary venues. Again, it is up to the ICC as they are the ones to decide And USA Cricket had never signed that because we are (an) Associate Member, not (a) Full Member. It is ultimately between the CWI and the ICC,” Rai had said an interview with Cricket next last month.
Ever since the World Cup has been allotted to USA, it has been in news for several administrative blunders. Rai served as interim president until April before being replaced by Kuljit Singh Nijjar. Vinay Bhimjiani served as CEO for about five months before submitting his papers. There is no one on the CEO’s chair as of now and the search is still on. The cricket body advertised for the position in April, 2023, but is yet to find an ideal candidate.
“The board is pleased to begin the search for a dynamic and experienced leader to lead the organization forward,” Kuljit-Singh Nijjar, interim president of the USA Cricket Board, said in an official release. “The candidate’s experience and expertise in this area will be key to filling this incredibly important role,” it added.
