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.”
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.
Dave
Guest
The US was suspended by the ICC in 2005 and banned from all major events but they have now been let back in. So you should see them start to improve. Their u19s have qualified for the world cup
Michael C
Roar Guru
An interesting article on cricinfo http://www.cricinfo.com/usa/content/story/428000.html includes : "Chicago, which lies three hours northwest, has five leagues and approximately 400 amateur teams. " That little throwaway stat blew my mind a tad. I reckon - go for it. As much reason to do so as there was for the USA to hold the FIFA World Cup back in the 90s.
Brett McKay
Expert
Cheese, are you American or do you just take it upon yourself to speak for them?
Dave
Guest
the usa is a lot better at cricket the usa is rated 32nd in the world. France doesnt even make it into the World cricket league. the are 300 million poele in america and only 65 million in France. http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/match_zone/associate_rankings.p
Mr cheese
Guest
Isn't that pitch a diamond ???? I ain't convinced that you could play Private School Baseball on a baseball diamond.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
From memory, they were going to use baseball pitches. The whole tournament would be run out of New York.
Mr cheese
Guest
It's never going to happen. The Yanks don't understand it and don't like it. Even if they did understand it, why should they want to watch. France or Belgium are better options. Nice towns and cities. Good food. Football and cycling. People in Lyon and Tours will take to cricket if they're ever exposed to it. As for Belgium, there is enough potential there for it to be obvious.
Tifosi
Guest
I think the idea was to take the IPL to the United States. At any rate they wont have suitable stadiums to host such a tournament. Unless they use baseball stadiums of course.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Isn't there supposed to be a 20/20 tournament being set up in the US.
MarkH
Guest
Dont bag it, after just returning from the USA. On my way to JFK in NYC, there are dedicated cricket grounds. There were about 10 games going. There is a very big Indian and Pakistani population as well as Pom SA Kiwi and Aussie expats who play. Shocked me. I recon it would go really well. I think Americans would like 20/20. Once they understood it.
Brett McKay
Expert
I don't think it's so silly at all Mr Cheese, though I will say we'll probably see something like the IPL played in America before the World Cup. The IPL have mentioned the US as an option regularly, so I wouldn't rule it out at all...
Mr cheese
Guest
It is a ridiculous idea. They should hold a cricket world cup in France. Paris great, Nantes is under-rated, and Bordeaux is classically classical. Forget the Americans. They will never take cricket. The French could be tempted, however.