30 May,2024 10:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Sujay Shivalkar
Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Amir, Suryakumar Yadav, David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (Pic: File Pic)
As the T20 World Cup 2024 tournament is inching closer, the excitement of cricket fans in India and around the world is palpable. This will be the largest edition of the event, as it will see 20 teams all from around the globe, clashing against each other for the first time.
The T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to begin on June 2 and will be jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies. The biggest rivalries in the game -- Australia vs England will be played at the Kensington Oval Barbados on June 8, followed by India vs Pakistan which will take place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.
Even as there have been speculations about terror attacks ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, earlier this month, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the hosts have assured to take all the necessary steps for the players and public safety.
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Ahead of the global showpiece, the tournament will mark the return of cricketing stars such as India's Rishabh Pant and Pakistan's Mohammed Amir. Pant who suffered a horrific accident in 2022 made an emotional comeback to the game during the IPL 2024. He seemed quite fit and quick while donning the big gloves. The left-hander was also in fine touch during the league as he accumulated 446 runs in 13 matches.
Pakistan's pace spearhead who was banned for years in a spot-fixing case has also made a return to the side. The rivalry between him and Indian stalwart Virat Kohli will be worth watching on June 9 in New York.
Additionally, the T20 World Cup 2024 might also mark the last international appearance of the Australia legend David Warner.
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Along with the West Indies, the United States of America will also host a few T20 World Cup 2024 matches. Through this World Cup, the ICC has made a huge attempt to expand the game of cricket beyond popular playing nations.
Also, the spotlight will be on India's 360-degree batsman Suryakumar Yadav. The swashbuckling batsman still holds the top spot in the T20I rankings. Team India is also among the favourites to lift the title this year. The last time the "Men in Blue" won an ICC T20 showpiece was in the inaugural season back in 2007. Rohit Sharma-led Indian side will look to end their ICC trophy drought.
Many teams will be playing their T20 World Cup 2024 matches in different conditions. The ones playing under the light will have to feature in matches during the bright sunlight in the Americas.