1 hr ago
Ricky Ponting proposes rebranding cricket as T20 for America
Ricky Ponting wants to introduce cricket to more people in the United States.
He thinks the sport should be called T20 when it is being promoted there.
T20 games are much shorter than traditional five-day cricket matches.
Ponting believes the word cricket may make some Americans expect a very long game.
He suggests comparing T20 with baseball because many Americans already understand baseball.
He points out that T20 can include many sixes, while baseball usually has fewer home runs in a game.
The United States recently co-hosted the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Its team also surprised Pakistan and reached the Super 8s, but cricket is still an emerging sport there.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting suggested marketing cricket in the United States exclusively as T20.
Ponting said the word “cricket” may make young Americans think of a lengthy five-day game.
He recommended comparing T20 with baseball to make the sport easier for US audiences to understand.
The United States co-hosted the 2024 T20 World Cup and defeated Pakistan in the group stage.
Despite that upset and Major League Cricket, cricket has not yet gained a major foothold in the United States.
- Who
- Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting proposed the marketing change, concerning cricket audiences in the United States.
- What
- Ponting suggested rebranding Twenty20 cricket as “T20” to attract more US fans.
- Where
- The proposed rebranding would target the United States.
- When
- The proposal was reported in connection with the United States’ hosting of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
- Why
- Ponting believes the term “cricket” can make young Americans associate the sport with lengthy five-day matches, while T20 is shorter and can be compared with baseball.
Key facts
- Proposed name
- T20, short for Twenty20 cricket
- Proponent
- Ricky Ponting, former Australia captain
- Target market
- The United States
- Recent tournament
- The United States co-hosted the 2024 T20 World Cup
- Notable result
- The United States defeated Pakistan in the group stage and advanced to the Super 8s
- Existing league
- Major League Cricket operates in the United States
- Current status
- Cricket remains an emerging sport in the United States
Quotes
Ricky Ponting
Former Australia captain and cricket commentator
“If I was bringing it here wholly and solely to sell and promote the game, I wouldn’t call it cricket.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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