The United States of America is set to host its first-ever Cricket World Cup, with the exhilarating T20 format making its grand debut in the Americas. This year’s 20-over World Cup is co-hosted by the USA and the Caribbean Islands, spanning a thrilling 28 days from June 1 to June 29. While the West Indies have a storied history of hosting Cricket World Cups, with the most recent being the 2010 T20 World Cup held at three venues across the Caribbean, this marks the inaugural occasion for the USA to welcome a Cricket World Cup on its home turf.
A total of nine iconic venues have been picked to showcase the world’s best in the shortest format of the game. With three cities in the United States—New York, Florida, and Dallas—and six in the Caribbean gearing up to host the tournament, each venue has a unique story to tell. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of each stadium:
**1. Nassau County International Cricket Stadium:**
Situated in the heart of New York, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium has undergone a transformative journey. Merely six months ago, the site was an empty plot. Construction kicked off on January 8 this year, with significant work beginning in February. It boasts a unique distinction as the first fully modular cricket stadium, featuring stands made of steel and aluminum. The pitches, interestingly, were developed in Adelaide before being transported to New York via Florida.
The venue’s curtain raiser was the T20I warm-up match between India and Bangladesh. It will host its maiden international match on June 3, with Sri Lanka facing off against South Africa in Group D. Overall, this New York-based stadium is slated to host eight matches, including three crucial India games.
**2. Grand Prairie Stadium:**
This venue in Dallas, Texas, has an interesting history. Initially opened in May 2008 as a baseball park, it served as the home ground for the Texas AirHogs in the American Association of Professional Baseball and Texas United in the USL League Two soccer. In October 2020, American Cricket Enterprises acquired the lease, converting it into a cricket ground. Grand Prairie Stadium has hosted several matches in the first Major League Cricket (MLC), USA’s franchise T20 tournament. It will serve as the stage for four T20 World Cup 2024 matches.
**3. Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground:**
As one of the two dedicated cricket stadiums in the United States, the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Florida holds historical significance. Established in November 2007, it became the first US cricket pitch to receive ICC certification to host international matches. Since 2009, the venue has hosted 25 international matches comprising 6 ODIs, 16 T20Is, and 3 Women’s T20Is. It will hold four matches in this T20 World Cup, including one involving the Indian team.
**4. Providence Stadium:**
Located in Guyana, Providence Stadium was built specifically for the 2007 ODI World Cup.
. It also played host during the 2010 T20 World Cup. From 2007 onwards, the stadium has witnessed 2 Tests, 25 ODIs, and 14 T20Is. It is set to host six World Cup matches this year, including the critical semifinal 2, which could feature India if they qualify.
**5. Kensington Oval, Bridgetown:**
Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, is teeming with history. The first international match was played there in 1895, with its initial Test match taking place in 1930. The venue has an impressive resume, hosting 55 Tests, 48 ODIs, and 24 T20Is, including the finals of the 2007 ODI World Cup and the 2010 T20 World Cup. It will stage nine matches during this T20 World Cup, including three Super Eight games and the grand finale.
**6. Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound:**
Established in 2006 to host the 2007 ODI World Cup games, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, has hosted 12 Tests, 22 ODIs, and 13 T20Is to date. This year, it will witness eight matches, including four Super Eight games.
**7. Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba:**
Named after the legendary West Indian batsman, the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, was supposed to host warm-up games for the 2007 ODI World Cup but wasn’t completed on time. It eventually hosted its first international match in 2018—a women’s ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies. The venue has hosted CPL finals and will feature five T20 World Cup matches, including the first semifinal.
**8. Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown:**
Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent, is a multi-purpose venue, hosting both cricket and football matches. It hosted its first international game, an ODI, in 1981. Since then, the ground has seen 3 Tests, 23 ODIs, and 2 T20Is. In the upcoming World Cup, it will host five matches, including two Super Eight games.
**9. Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet:**
Formerly known as Beausejour Cricket Ground, this venue in St Lucia was built in 2002. It was renamed in 2016 after Daren Sammy, the celebrated former West Indies skipper. The stadium hosted a semifinal game in the 2007 ODI World Cup and both semifinals of the 2010 T20 World Cup. This year, it will host six games, including three Super Eight clashes.
As the world watches, these diverse venues will come alive with the spirit of cricket, embracing the unique cultures of both the USA and the Caribbean. Fans and players alike are in for an unprecedented and thrilling experience in this unique edition of the T20 World Cup.
