The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, has seen unprecedented interest in cricket in the USA. 190,000 fans attended matches across three US venues: New York, Texas, and Florida. This marks a significant milestone for cricket’s growth in North America.
The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Long Island, New York, drew the largest crowds, hosting nearly 165,000 spectators throughout the tournament. High-profile matches like Pakistan vs. India and US vs. India attracted over 30,000 fans each. The 34,000-seat stadium consistently saw near-capacity attendance.
Alt: Crowds cheer during a T20 World Cup cricket match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
The Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas also witnessed strong attendance with over 22,000 fans attending matches, exceeding its 7,000 seating capacity. However, the Broward County Stadium in Florida saw lower turnout, partially due to weather disruptions that led to game cancellations.
Digital engagement soared with 2.7 million US-based users accessing the ICC website and app, a 370% increase from the 2022 tournament. This surge indicates a growing US fanbase for cricket, with 52% of the digital audience identified as new fans. Increased organic search traffic further underscores the rising interest in the sport.
While the US leg of the tournament concluded on June 12th with a match between India and the US, the T20 World Cup continues in the West Indies. The tournament is currently in its semi-final stage.
The first semi-final match is scheduled for today, Wednesday, June 26th, between Afghanistan and South Africa. This crucial match will determine who advances to the final. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest between these two formidable teams.
The second semi-final will be played on Thursday, June 27th, between India and England. These two cricketing giants will battle for the remaining spot in the championship final. Both teams boast strong batting and bowling lineups, promising a captivating match. The final match will be held on June 29th in the West Indies.
The ICC expressed immense satisfaction with the tournament’s success in the US, highlighting the country as a key focus for global growth. The strong attendance figures and digital engagement demonstrate the potential for cricket to flourish in the American sports market. This success sets a positive trajectory for the sport leading up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The ICC aims to capitalize on this momentum and further develop cricket’s presence in the US in the coming years.
