The impact of the T20 World Cup on Cricket in the USA has been mixed. The tournament gave a boost in visibility for the sport, but on the other hand, it highlighted the challenges cricket faces in gaining mainstream attention.
Despite the USA qualifying for the T20 World Cup Super 8s, the achievement went largely unnoticed among the general public. The tournament, while a logistical success, struggled to capture the American mainstream’s attention. Brett Jones, the chief executive of the T20 World Cup USA organizing committee, admitted there were challenges but saw potential for cricket in the US.
While the ICC reported an increase in new users from the US accessing their digital platforms, the matches were broadcast on a cricket-specific subscription channel, limiting their visibility. Notably, the USA’s victory over Pakistan did not rank among the top 30 most-watched sports programs on the day it occurred.
In summary, the T20 World Cup has planted seeds of interest in the USA, but for cricket to grow and thrive, it will need to engage a wider audience and build a sustainable presence.