Amidst rumors and widespread reports suggesting a potential shift of the T20 World Cup 2024 from the West Indies and the USA, both the USA Cricket (USAC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have denied any discussions regarding the change of venue. In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 07, USAC addressed the doubts surrounding the cricketing infrastructure in the nation, asserting that concerns would be dispelled following the successful organization of the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC).
A USAC official stated that they have not engaged in any conversations with the ICC regarding a venue change. He emphasized that the board is dedicated to preparing the necessary infrastructure for the T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be held in June next year.
“We haven’t had any discussions with the ICC in this regard. We are putting our best foot forward in preparing the necessary infrastructure for the T20 World Cup, which is a year away. Concerns about makeshift venues, etc., are natural because the US does not host cricketing events regularly, but we have the Major League Cricket coming up, and a successful hosting of the T20 tournament will ward off a lot of concerns,” explained a USA Cricket administrator, as quoted by NDTV.
Significantly, the inaugural Major League Cricket T20 tournament is set to take place from July 13 to July 30. The competition will feature six teams and will be hosted at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. Notable international cricketers, including England’s Jason Roy and Australia’s Adam Zampa, Matthew Wade, Marcus Stoinis, and Moises Henriques, are expected to participate.
Furthermore, an ICC official confirmed that there have been no discussions regarding the relocation of the T20 World Cup 2024. The official added that the expected venues for the mega event would be announced soon, and the tournament would proceed as planned.
“There has been no discussion on any ICC forum on shifting the T20 World Cup 2024 from the West Indies and the USA. It (the tournament) will go ahead, and an announcement on the venues will be made shortly,” stated an ICC Board member, according to NDTV.
Notably, India has previously played some of its international matches at the Central Broward Park in Lauderhill, Florida, against the West Indies.
Oakland, Florida, and Los Angeles have been recommended as potential venues for the T20 World Cup by the ICC Venue inspection team. Reports indicate that the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan clash is expected to be held in the USA instead of the West Indies, considering the anticipated crowd support for both teams.