100 Indiaspora members attended the match in New York / Courtesy Photo

“Build and they shall come” - Seems like the old adage is as true for stadiums as churches.

This was vividly clear on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in New York, when 34,000 people streamed into the stadium on a wet morning for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan cricket match. The turnout was a testament to the magnetic power of cricket, drawing fans from all walks of life to witness a spectacle that would etch itself into their memories. The sound of dhol and the smell of samosas made it clear that the subcontinent is happy to loudly claim the day and all the sporting drama to come. 

The match itself was everything an Indian fan could have wished for—a well-fought contest ending in a triumphant victory for India. The excitement was palpable, as fans who could rattle off statistics from the 1996 World Cup quarter-finals in Bangalore stood shoulder to shoulder with newbies still learning the difference between singles and fours. The stadium was a melting pot of cricket enthusiasts, each person’s passion contributing to the electric atmosphere.

Families used the occasion to create lasting memories together, while corporate teams seized the opportunity to build camaraderie. The shared experience of cheering for every run and agonizing over every wicket brought people closer, forging bonds that transcended the boundaries of daily life. Despite the early concerns about a dropped pitch and the very real threat of rain delays, the overwhelming takeaway for most was the sheer joy of being part of the crowd, screaming until they lost their voices.

The India-Pakistan match in New York was not just a game; it was a celebration of cricket as a unifying force.

The fans who gathered, whether seasoned veterans or enthusiastic novices, were part of something bigger than themselves. As the game wound its way from the stop-and-start of the early overs to the rapid collapse of Indian batting, there was a shared feeling of “let this not be a wasted trip.” When India was all out with just 119 on the board it was hard to feel hopeful, and the mood in the stadium, of largely Indian fans, was close to despair.

Then came the turn-around, as the Indian bowlers got the much-needed wickets. As the collective mood swung, there was a sense of a charge running through the crowds. This match was a microcosm of what cricket can achieve on a global scale—bringing people together, fostering a sense of community, and creating moments of pure, unadulterated joy.

The match underscored the immense potential for cricket to become a viable sport in the United States. The presence of high-caliber matches will undoubtedly draw people, as evidenced by the turnout and the enthusiasm. Indian and Pakistani fans appreciated the chance to witness such an amazing match on American soil, a rare treat that highlighted the growing importance of cricket in the US sports landscape. Mainstream press coverage of this Cricket World Cup felt inevitable, given the scale of the sport's following.

It seems only a matter of time before curious fans from non-cricketing backgrounds make their way to a match, lured by the excitement and the sense of community that cricket fosters. Competitive pricing of tickets will be crucial in making cricket a regular part of the annual US sporting cycle. Imagine a future where baseball rules the spring, cricket dominates the summer, and football takes over the fall—a distinct possibility that feels increasingly within reach.

One of the most unforgettable aspects of the match was the energy that surged through the stadium at the end when the crowd sang along to the victory anthem "Chak De!" The collective voice of thousands created a moment that would be cherished for a lifetime; a sports memory allowing a large group to embrace pure joy. This shared joy, the harmony of voices united in celebration, was a powerful reminder of the unique ability of sports to forge connections and create enduring memories. Is it any wonder that leaders like Congressman Ro Khanna and Ambassador Eric Garcetti are powerful advocates of the bridges that cricket can build, the potential of cricket diplomacy?

The implications for the future are clear. With the right support and strategic planning, cricket has the potential to become a mainstay in the American sporting calendar. The enthusiasm and passion demonstrated by the fans at this match provide a solid foundation on which to build something much bigger.

The introduction of Major League Cricket (MLC) and the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are set to add significant momentum to the absorption of cricket into America, showcasing the sport to new audiences and solidifying its place in the US sporting landscape. As more high-profile matches are played, the sport will attract an ever-widening circle of fans, drawn by the promise of thrilling contests and the chance to be part of a vibrant, passionate community.

The June 2024 India-Pakistan cricket match promises to be the sort of landmark match that will be talked about for years to come. It showcased the power of cricket to bring people together, and if the potential of cricket is fulfilled this match may well be remembered in days to come as the day that cricket truly came to America. 

 

The author is  Vice President, Development & Civic Engagement at Indiaspora. 

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)