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T20 World Cup is the largest cricket event organized by US govt in history, says Richard Verma
The former US Ambassador to India was speaking at a reception held on June.13 to celebrate the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup in America.
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Richard Verma is the former US Ambassador to India. / Screengrab
Former US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, said that the T20 World Cup is the largest cricket event held by the US government in history. “This is a great recognition that our country is starting to embrace cricket, a sport so beloved in so many other countries around the world,” said Verma during a reception held at the US State Department in Washington on June.13 to celebrate the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup in America.
“Having the US host the Cricket World Cup would have seemed unimaginable just 10 or 15 years ago. But today, Major League Cricket is flourishing in the United States. USA Cricket continues its instrumental work in supporting our national players and equipping youth and local communities with the tools they need to succeed in this sport,” Verma added.
Verma commented that he expects cricket to gain even more popularity in the United States as the tournament progresses, especially if the team continues to win matches and advance to the next round.
“According to USA Cricket, more than 400 leagues have opened up in the United States with over 200,000 players and counting, including these great players right here. This is a win for cricket fans that want to see the sport grow in the United States,” he said.
Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to be monumental for American sports, with the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where cricket will be officially included as an Olympic sport, Verma added.
Verma emphasized the unifying power of sports, particularly cricket, stating that the team mentality prevails over individualism. He highlighted the role of the State Department's sports diplomacy team in connecting Americans with the global community.
“At a time of great divisions around the world, it is incredible that sports can bring people together like no other cause,” he said.
Verma, an American diplomat, currently holds the position of Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. He previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs from 2009 to 2011 and as the US Ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017.
Cricket has officially made its mark on America! Last night’s reception at @StateDept—co-hosted by the @WSHFreedom—celebrated the ongoing Men’s @T20WorldCup in & reminded us all of the strength of sports to unite people, cultures, & countries. @SportsDiplomacy #CricketForAll pic.twitter.com/onf0yNne33
— Richard R. Verma (@DepSecStateMR) June 13, 2024
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