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ICC boss supports an American World Cup

Roar Guru
3rd October, 2009
12

Chicago might have missed out on staging the 2016 Olympics, but cricket’s highest official can imagine it and other American cities hosting World Cup cricket matches.

International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat supports the idea of major tournaments in the United States or China.

Lorgat said on Saturday it was vital for cricket to spread beyond traditional colonies and one-day tournaments would be ideal to promote the sport in new markets.

“It’s difficult to predict at this point but I don’t see that as inconceivable,” he told AAP when asked if the World Cup could be transported on to a new stage.

“The US and China have got to a level where there’s a lot of interest in the game and it would make sense to play a World Cup, or a Champions Trophy or a Twenty20 world championship there. I don’t see why not.”

Lorgat said the ICC had been impressed with the sport’s growth in the two nations, particularly in China, where cricket was entrenched in four of the country’s sporting universities.

“Growth and development is essential for any sport and any business,” he said.

“You talk of the US and China, I’m reasonably confident that in time cricket will take root in those countries.”

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The earliest the US or China could host a World Cup would be in 2023, as the next three competitions have been allocated: the 2011 event will be played on the subcontinent, 2015 in Australia and 2019 in England.

The ICC is currently finalising a program for 2012-2020, which will include deciding venues for future Champions Trophy and Twenty20 events.

While keen on taking cricket to new fans, Lorgat was less optimistic on the sport’s chances of being played at the Olympics given existing scheduling commitments.

But he remained supportive of establishing a Test championship and playing the traditional format under lights to promote interest among fans.

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