Cricket’s biggest rivalry, India versus Pakistan, takes center stage at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United States. The high-stakes Group A match follows India’s victory over Ireland and Pakistan’s surprising loss to co-hosts USA. Security in Long Island has been heightened, with multiple screenings and sold-out tickets reflecting the immense global interest.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, June 9th, at 10:30 am local time (14:30 GMT), which translates to 8 pm in India and 7:30 pm in Pakistan.
The venue is the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Long Island, New York, with a capacity of 34,000. The temporary drop-in pitches used so far have favored seam bowlers, making it challenging for batters to score. However, the ICC is addressing criticisms and working to improve the pitches for the remainder of the tournament. The India-Pakistan match is anticipated to be played on a new surface.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has assured elevated security measures for the tournament, especially for the India-Pakistan clash. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder has compared the event’s magnitude to the “Super Bowl on steroids.”
While general tickets are sold out, limited premium options are available on the official ICC platform, ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. Resale tickets are also available at significantly higher prices.
For those unable to attend, the ICC has organized official fan parks in various locations, including New York, Texas, Seattle, New Delhi, Rawalpindi, the UK, and South Africa. Many of these venues are also sold out.
Rain is forecast for the morning, potentially affecting the match. In case of interruptions, extra time will be allotted, and a minimum of five overs per team is required for a result. There are no reserve days for group stage matches. Tied matches will be decided by a super over, with subsequent super overs if needed.
Live text and photo coverage will be provided by Al Jazeera from 09:00 GMT. Broadcasting and streaming will be available through various rights holders, including Disney Star in India and PTV and Ten Sports in Pakistan.
India is favored to win, given their historical dominance in T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan.
India holds a 6-1 record against Pakistan in T20 World Cup matches, including victories in the 2007 final and bowl-out, as well as wins in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2022. Pakistan’s sole victory came in 2021. These matches have consistently showcased high drama and intense competition, solidifying the rivalry’s significance in cricket history.
