14 November,2023 06:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Fans watch India’s match against England in Lucknow. Pic Courtesy/Getty Images
Sachin Tendulkar with US Consul General, Mike Hankey
I am a huge cricket fan and have been following the sport for many years. I was recently in Ahmedabad where I watched India win against Pakistan. The energy in the stadium was incredible. Earlier in October, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti was in Mumbai when the International Olympic Committee announced cricket as an Olympic sport.
ALSO READ
After Sweden restricts screen time for kids, Indian experts express their views
Celebrate Teacher's Day by indulging in these movies, books and podcasts
From dance to music: Attend these interesting events in Mumbai this weekend
How this Mumbaikar uses art to document the food of the Dawoodi Bohra community
Storytelling to cycling: Bring in the weekend with these activities in Mumbai
In fact, he is instrumental in showcasing cricket for the new audiences in the US. Cricket has a fanbase of more than one billion people; and with the inclusion in Olympics, it will bring more visibility to the sport. Things are changing, and the US is playing a positive role in this transformation.
My pick: I am cheering for India.
During my stay here, I have regularly seen cricket being played. I also watched the recent game between India and New Zealand. It was so exciting and fun. I do want to play it someday.
Sadly, I don't think it will ever grow popular in South Korea. People hardly know the game. The most popular game in the country is football. If ever they make it to a tournament, it would be the surprise of my life. All I would think of is âSo beautiful, so elegant, just looking like a wow!'
My pick: I am rooting for my second home - India.
I moved to Mumbai in 2014, and have been in the city since. Though I am a football player and fan, it is hard to escape cricket. Even before moving to India, everyone told me that cricket is a religion here. It is true in that it unites people. There are a lot of Indian expats in the country, and even The Netherlands, and that influence has helped spread the word about
the game.
My pick: The buzz is definitely going India's way.
As an American, I sometimes find the game confusing. What makes me happy is the sight of people in motion. I enjoy the idea of watching them take a Sunday off, and play the game in every little park and corner of the city. It might be strange if America makes it to a cricket tournament, although with the Olympics, there is a possibility. What strikes me is that the US does not have a national team, except for soccer or the Olympics, around which an entire nation gathers with such passionate intensity. That is
the difference.
My pick: The chatter is all about India's performance.
I lived in Namibia for eight years. We would go to South Africa once a year, where the sport is big. I also watched a few games at Trent Bridge in
England. But in 2011, when India won the World Cup, I saw the extent of the passion. As a German, I grew up watching football, but cricket has an interesting tactical side. The sport is growing in Europe because of the influence from India and England.
My pick: India is a strong contender. South Africa may give them a tough fight though.
