Updated On: 23 May, 2010 10:03 AM IST | | Ian Chappell
The reason why past two experiments of popularising cricket in the United States failed were because they were longer versions. If officials want to draw genuine American fans, T20 format could prove to be a winning mantra
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The reason why past two experiments of popularising cricket in the United States failed were because they were longer versions. If officials want to draw genuine American fans, T20 format could prove to be a winning mantra
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropings and I ain't seen nuthin' like this," was the reaction of an American baseball commentator when the Atlanta Braves recently mounted a freakish seven-run last inning comeback.
When Sri Lanka play New Zealand in Miami this weekend the response from the Americans in the audience may be something similar. On second thoughts, the bulk of the fans will probably be expats from the sub-continent or Caribbean so most of the comments will be well informed.
Critical experiment
However, if cricket is to become a viable sport in the USA, eventually the officials have to attract some genuine American fans. This is why the experiment this time, unlike those attempted in the past, is critical. The only way cricket is going to attract American fans in reasonable numbers is via the T20 version of the game.
Past tours were all longer matches. In 1932 an Australian side toured America and Canada and despite the presence of Don Bradman (who was on his honeymoon) the game failed to capture the imagination of the Yanks. There was a publicity shot involving Bradman and Babe Ruth, then a huge star with the Yankees and the inevitable comparisons were made between the two kings of their sport but nothing came of it other than a nice memento for Bradman's mantelpiece.
"I've been to two rodeos and three goat ropings and I ain't seen nuthin' like this," was the reaction of an American baseball commentator when the Atlanta Braves recently mounted a freakish seven-run last inning comeback.When Sri Lanka play New Zealand in Miami this weekend the response from the Americans in the audience may be something similar. On second thoughts, the bulk of the fans will probably be expats from the sub-continent or Caribbean so most of the comments will be well informed.
Critical experiment
However, if cricket is to become a viable sport in the USA, eventually the officials have to attract some genuine American fans. This is why the experiment this time, unlike those attempted in the past, is critical. The only way cricket is going to attract American fans in reasonable numbers is via the T20 version of the game.
Past tours were all longer matches. In 1932 an Australian side toured America and Canada and despite the presence of Don Bradman (who was on his honeymoon) the game failed to capture the imagination of the Yanks. There was a publicity shot involving Bradman and Babe Ruth, then a huge star with the Yankees and the inevitable comparisons were made between the two kings of their sport but nothing came of it other than a nice memento for Bradman's mantelpiece.
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