Another India vs Pakistan match, another iconic affair! The newly built Nassau County International Stadium in New York witnessed an enthralling battle, offering a true taste of the sport to American audiences. With over 34,000 spectators in attendance, the atmosphere was electric, marking a significant moment for cricket in the USA.
American journalist struggle with IND vs PAK report!
However, a comical headline by an American journalist has cast a light on the challenges cricket faces in gaining a foothold in the country. The blunder occurred in a New York Times article, which incorrectly stated that India won by a score of 119-113. In cricket, results are typically announced by either the number of runs a team wins by or the number of wickets remaining for the victorious team. In this instance, India secured victory by 6 runs. The Jasprit Bumrah special derailed the Pakistani innings to just 113 as the Babar Azam-led side served the match on a platter for the Men in Blue!
The source of the confusion lies in the fundamental difference between how scores are reported in cricket and other sports that are huge in America like baseball and basketball. This incident is a stark reminder of the nascent stage of cricket in the USA. While the high attendance at the India-Pakistan match is a positive sign, there’s a clear need to bridge the knowledge gap for the sport to flourish. While co-hosting the T20 World Cup 2024 is a significant step, there is still a long way to go.