Super 8 T20 World Cup 2024: Team India’s Fixtures, Venues, Pitch and Start Time
The Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 has arrived. After 40 matches in the group stage, eight teams have made it to the next round. Team India topped Group A, with three wins. Their last game against Canada in Florida was abandoned due to a wet outfield. The real test for Team India begins now. Who are India’s opponents and where are the fixtures? Which venues will Rohit Sharma and company play in the West Indies? How are the pitches likely to behave? What’s the start time for Team India’s fixtures? Just sit back and relax, we got all of this and more covered for you. Who are Team India’s opponents in Super 8? Team India is clubbed in Group 1, alongside, former champions Australia, the very dangerous Afghanistan, and unpredictable Bangladesh. India will take on Afghanistan in their opening Super 8 match on June 20, at Barbados in Bridgetown, also the venue of the final. Team India next locks horns with Bangladesh on June 22, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The third and final match will witness India take on Australia scheduled for June 24 in Gros Islet. How can India qualify for the semi-finals? For India to qualify for the semi-finals, they need to register a minimum of two wins out of three matches. Only the top two teams will make it to the semis. This means every match becomes important for Team India, and there is no margin of error from here on. What venues will Team India be playing at? Team India will be playing a total of three matches in the Super 8s, in three different venues. The first one against Afghanistan comes at Bridgetown in Barbados. In the second match against Bangladesh, Team India travels to the North Sound in Antigua. For the final match, the Blues will have to pack their bags and go to Gros Islet, where they take on 2021 edition champions Australia. How are the pitches likely to behave? The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, also the venue of the final, is arguably the best batting surface in the T20 World Cup 2024. The only score of 200 or more in the tournament came at the venue, in the game between Australia and England. The pitch also provides some assistance to slow bowlers, especially wrist spinners. Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua will host a total of four Super 8 matches. The pitch has been a tough one for batters in the Group stage. Scotland chased down 151 to win against Oman, also the highest score at the venue. Bowlers have dominated the proceedings, with fast bowlers picking wickets upfront, and spinners troubling the middle and the lower order consistently. Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet is due to host three Super 8 matches. This also includes the big one between Australia and India on June 24. In the two matches played at the Group stage, batters dominated the proceedings. Three out of the four teams scored more than 180 runs at the venue. Sri Lanka top scored with 201 runs against the Netherlands. Start Time for Team India’s matches All of Team India’s Super 8 matches are day games, in case you are in the West Indies. The matches will start at 10:30 am local time, and 2:30 pm GMT. In case you are watching from India, then you may enjoy the matches on Disney + Hotstar from 8 pm onwards. Also Read: What is Team India’s record in Super 8s?
USA Cricket T20 World Cup: Crafting a Blueprint for Associate Nations Success
The 2024 T20 World Cup has thrown up plenty of surprises already. However, no bigger than the USA Cricket Team qualifying for the Super 8s. This was not on many cricket pundits’ bucket list before the start of the tournament. First a convincing victory over Canada, and then sending shockwaves in the whole of Pakistan – the USA cricket team made their presence felt. The Super Over win against Pakistan has put them on the cricket world map. Now, fans not only know that US cricket exists but players like Saurabh Netravalkar, Aaron Jones, and Nosthush Kenjige have become overnight stars. The US Cricket team’s journey has been impressive so far, and inspiring for some. However, the question now beckons, how seriously should one take the USA’s success in cricket? Fluke or Fantastic – Team USA journey in T20 WC? Two wins, one loss, and one abandoned match – this was enough for the USA cricket team to make it to Super 8s. There is a frenzy on social media, with everyone talking about the dream American run. Some are even calling them world-beaters, others giant killers. But wait, isn’t this too early for a team making its T20 World Cup debut? USA head coach Stuart Law, an accomplished batter for Australia during his time, promised fans a few upsets. Their team delivered it in only their second game against Pakistan. This US victory turned the tournament on its head. Against India, the co-hosts competed with a lot of heart but fell short by 7 wickets. A washout against Ireland sealed a Super 8 spot for the US. Their progression was welcomed with open arms, by the cricket fraternity. Even the cricketers would agree that their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has been a mix of courage, luck, and timing. The USA cricket team’s progression to Super 8s also means that they have now qualified automatically for the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Also Read: USA Cricket Team – Pro Athletes or Daily Wage Workers? Now, comes the testing times. Cricket, in particular the ICC tournaments has witnessed upsets in the past. However, there are very few associate nations that have managed to show consistent upward progression. To name a few, Kenya made it to the 2003 Men’s ODI World Cup semifinals, and Ireland came up with a few upsets in the 2007 edition. The Netherlands stunned England in the 2009 T20 World Cup but is now nowhere. Similar is the case with associate nations like Namibia, Oman, Hong Kong, and Scotland. All these teams have registered upsets, but have never gone on to become a strong force to reckon with. To an extent, Afghanistan is the sole associate nation, whose progression in white-ball cricket has been a commendable one. USA Cricket – What can they do differently? The biggest positive for the US cricketers is that they are in a land of opportunities. They have resources at their disposal, way better than their associate nation counterparts. Success often brings financial rewards. Enhanced funding can improve facilities, coaching, and developmental programs. However, cricket’s progression in the States has been slow and painful, to say the least. The US Cricket Team was first formally organized under the USA Cricket Association in 1965. It took the US Cricket team 39 long years to play their first international match coming against New Zealand in 2004 in London. After just one more match in 2006, the ICC expelled the USACA in 2017 due to financing and governing issues. A couple of years later (2019), the United States Cricket Team under the USA Cricket (USAC) was admitted to the ICC, as an associate member. After five years, the USA defeated Bangladesh to register their maiden bilateral T20I series win against a full-time ICC member. There have been plenty of failed experiments with some good teams in the past. The one area, where the USA scores is the quality of players at their disposal. In 2019, USA Cricket started scouting for talent across the globe. USA Cricket Team – The Core Players Name Role Origin Age Corey Anderson All-Rounder Christchurch, New Zealand 33 Harmeet Singh Spin Bowler Mumbai, India 31 Shayan Jahangir Batter Karachi, Pakistan 29 Shadley van Schalkwyk All-rounder Cape Town, South Africa 35 Aaron Jones Batter Barbados 29 Steven Taylor Batter Jamaica 30 Saurabh Netravalkar Bowler Mumbai, India 32 Head coach Law is confident that having players from different origins, and countries has helped the USA team play as one. “We have got to try and ‘Americanfy’ the whole cricket thing here in the States. We need to play aggressive, attractive-looking cricket to make sure that people sit back and go: You know what, these kids are up for a fight,” Law told to Aljazeera. According to the head coach Stuart Law, the team has the potential to do some damage in the Super 8s as well. In one way or the other, the success of the USA Cricket Team holds significant implications for the future of Associate nations moving forward. How far can the USA go in the T20 World Cup? The answer to that question is anything can happen. Like the USA cricket team has shown in the Group stage already. Now, that they are here in the quarterfinals, the pressure of expectations would increase from here on. The US takes on South Africa at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. The West Indies and England are waiting next. It would be interesting to see Team USA’s tactics, now that the spotlight is on them. Will they crumble or rise like a phoenix and prove that their Group Stage success was no fluke? Also Read: T20 World Cup: Record Prize Money for Champions
Super 8 T20 World Cup: Will India qualify for the semis if Rain Plays Spoilsport?
Rain Gods have been a constant feature in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. As many as four matches were washed out due to persistent rains over the last two weeks. Now, the Super 8 has arrived, and there are chances that rains might play a spoilsport here as well. The Super 8 schedule is out, and Team India is clubbed with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia. This means each match from here on is a do-or-die contest for Rohit Sharma-led Blues. So, what happens in case there is no cricket played and the match has to be abandoned? Also Read: Team India’s Super 8 Challenge The Super 8 is set to begin on June 19th. The top 8 teams are divided into two groups with the USA, England, South Africa, and the West Indies in the second group. Each team will play each other thrice in the same group, just once. What if the match is abandoned due to bad weather? In case the match gets abandoned, both teams will share a point each. This means, that in case all three matches are abandoned, a team can reach a maximum of three points. What are the tie-break rules for Super 8? In case, two teams have an equal number of points at the end of the Super 8 stage, then the tie-break rules come into the picture. Are there reserve days for Super 8 matches? There are no reserve days for the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. There are reserve days for the first semi-final and the final on June 26 and June 29 respectively. The second semifinal in Guyana on June 27, does not have a reserve day but has an additional 250 minutes to complete the match on the same day itself. The final too has a reserve day on June 30. What if all of Team India’s matches are washed out? In case, all of India’s three Super 8 matches are washed out, the maximum number of points they can reach is three. In that scenario, India’s NRR would be out of the equation. Given Team India has a better record against all of its three opponents – Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and even Australia, India will automatically advance to the semis. However, this will only happen, if two out of the remaining three teams do not register three or more points in Super 8s. The much anticipated Super 8 stage is all set to begin. Heavyweights like Australia, England, and India are billed as favorites. Teams like the West Indies, Afghanistan, the USA, and South Africa will look to up the ante and clinch the semifinal spot. Only eight teams are left in the tournament. By next week, only four teams will be left standing. Who will they be? Over a billion-plus fans would be hoping, India not only advances to the semis but clinch the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados on June 29.
T20 World Cup 2024: Team India Batters Record in the West Indies
The T20 World Cup 2024 has entered the Super 8 stage. For Team India, one of the premier title contenders, the competition begins from here on. Rohit Sharma and company now have the challenge to tackle Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia to advance to the semi-finals. After a fairly poor showing by the batters in New York, the Caribbean pitches at Barbados, Antigua, and St Lucia will present a different challenge altogether. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and others need to be fully prepared to keep India’s campaign alive. Also Read: What Super 8 has in store for Team India at T20 World Cup? The T20 World Cup 2024 moving to the West Indies, for the business end of the tournament. The experience of playing on the Caribbean pitches can come in handy. Going into the Super 8, this is a good time to check Indian batters’ T20I record in the West Indies. Rohit, Virat, or SKY – Who has the most T20I runs in West Indies? Team India is likely to go in with the same top order, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opening the batting. Rishabh Pant is again likely to come in at the number 3 position. Suryakumar Yadav will be the glue that drives the middle order, with Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya taking up the finishing roles. This might come as a surprise to you, but none of the batters have dominated T20Is on the Caribbean soil. Table: Indian Batsmen T20I Record in West Indies Name Matches Runs HS SR 100/50 Rohit Sharma 07 185 79* 145.66 0/2 Virat Kohli 03 112 59 141.77 0/1 Rishabh Pant 05 174 65* 137 0/1 Suryakumar Yadav 06 216 83 161.69 0/2 Hardik Pandya 06 99 31 107.60 0/0 Ravindra Jadeja 07 65 27 104.83 0/0 Indian Captain Rohit Sharma alongside all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are the two players who have played the most number of T20Is in the West Indies. Only the Hitman and Suryakumar Yadav have smashed two half-centuries in the Island nation. When it comes to the best strike rate and top score, Suryakumar Yadav tops the list. A total of six half-centuries have been scored by the current set of Indian batters in the West Indies. The likes of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are yet to leave their mark with the bat in the Caribbean. Virat Kohli, who is yet to reach double figure mark in the T20 World Cup 2024 has only played 3 T20Is in the West Indies. These numbers are indeed a concern for Team India fans. Given their recent performance in New York with the bat, the Indian top order and the middle order need to iron out deficiencies, to keep the nation’s hope alive of winning the ICC silverware after 11 long years.
2024 T20 World Cup: How much money will the ICC make? Prize Money Breakdown & more
The ICC has declared a record prize money pool of US $11.25 million for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The winner receives a mammoth US $2.45 million, a record in itself. More details are as follows: One more ICC event is loading for the fans to participate in. There will be close contests, nail-biting finishes, and a lot of entertainment. The T20 World Cup gives one more opportunity for cricket’s governing body to make millions of dollars. After all, giving away US $11.45 million is a strong statement. How will they give, if they don’t make enough? Have you ever wondered how the ICC makes money to carry out such global events, year after year? Well, the simple answer is through media rights, sponsors, and event hosting fees. The point is that many people don’t understand how the ICC earns its revenue. This article gives in-depth knowledge about how deep the ICC’s pockets are, the revenue distribution model, and how billion-dollar deals are made within minutes. Also Read: Who Sponsors the ICC? An ICC event isn’t just about entertainment on the cricket pitch, it goes beyond that off it. From jaw-dropping sponsorships to ticketing treasures to merchandise madness, an ICC event is a money-minting machine. ICC revenues from the World Cup a) Broadcasting and media rights: A massive chunk of the ICC’s profits come from broadcasting and media rights. Disney Star has bagged the broadcast rights for all the ICC events from 2023 to 2027 for $3 billion. Wait, that’s not all, there’s more. What’s in the ICC’s kitty? At the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup held in India, the ICC earned a staggering $150 million only in sponsorship revenue. With 20-plus sponsors and partners on board, with alongside, India as hosts, there was no doubt, the ICC would have filled its coffers with loads of money. Some of the brands associated with the ICC are MRF Tyres, Mastercard, Royal Stag, Dream11, and many others, making the global event, a sponsorship juggernaut. Second, comes ticket sales. The ICC earns a massive share of the global ticket sales from the whole event. As many as 15-20 Lakh fans are expected to attend the 2024 T20 World Cup in the US and the West Indies. This means the global body stands at earning another $100 million and more. Last but not least comes the merchandise. Fan Code backed by DreamSports is the official partner for merchandising at the ICC events. The larger the sale, the bigger the share of the pie for the ICC. Though there are no official numbers behind it, expect the ICC to add $50-60 million to its bank account. Money Distribution – what about the winners? There has been no official statement regarding the prize pot for the 2024 T20 World Cup. England, the winners of the 2022 edition in Australia, received $1.6 million out of the total prize money of $5.6 million. This time, the prize pool is expected to be a bigger one, with 20 teams participating, and the ICC has bucketloads of money in their bank accounts. The tournament will last for close to a month in the US and the West Indies. With 55 matches scheduled, including the final, expect the ICC to mint every second of the global event, and make anywhere between $130 million and $140 million. It’s that time of the year when the countdown for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has begun. A total of 20 teams will be participating in the mega event, hoping to win the coveted trophy. Team India is getting ready to win the cup back home. In addition to the cup, they will also bag another US $2.45 million paycheque as well. For 1.4 billion-plus fans in India and around the world, it isn’t about how many dollars the ICC makes. For them, it is all about watching Rohit Sharma and company lift the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 29th. 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Group Group A: India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, USA Group B: England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman Group C: New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, PNG Group D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal
T20 World Cup: USA Cricket Team – Pro Athletes or Daily Wage Workers?
The USA Cricket Team is writing history with every passing day. Once the match against Ireland was washed out due to rain, the hosts made it to the Super 8s. The crazy part is that this was the first time, the USA was participating in the T20 World Cup. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 co-hosts first thrashed Canada by 7 wickets in their opening game. A match later they went one step forward. The USA defeated 2009 T20 World Cup Champions Pakistan in a Super Over in Dallas. The Monank Patel-led side grabbed this golden opportunity with both hands. The USA defeated Pakistan in a Super Over, leaving Babar Azam and company red-faced. Yes, the hosts suffered a defeat at the hands of Team India. However, the game wasn’t a walk in the park for Team India. The USA cricket team will remember the Super 8s qualification for many years. After all, it is a dream start for the T20 World Cup debutants. Their close-knit performance at the ICC event has garnered a lot of attention, however, that doesn’t take away the fact that the country in itself is not recognising the magnitude of the victory over Pakistan. As much as the USA presents itself as a global superpower, when it comes to cricket, they are a start-up in a world full of unicorns and corporate powerhouses. Also Read: Who sponsors the ICC? To begin with, the cricketers who represent the US do not earn enough from the sport or even have proper central contracts. Ever heard of daily wage workers? Exactly that’s the state of the US cricketers. This has been going on for some time now. HOW MUCH DO THE US CRICKETERS EARN? Seventeen players have signed central contracts with USA Cricket. Some players have one-year contracts, while others have three-month contracts. Here is the complete list of USA Cricket central contract players for 2021-22, along with their contract periods. The salary details for USA Cricket team players have not been officially disclosed. The minimum annual wage rate is $15,080, the average wage rate is $70,000, and the highest salary can go up to $90,000. USA Men’s Cricket Team Contract Details Name Duration Saurabh Netravalkar (c) Three-month central contract Steven Taylor (vc) One year central contract Karima Gore Three-month central contract Elmore Hutchinson Three-month central contract Aaron Jones Three-month central contract Nosthush Kenjige Three-month central contract Jaskaran Malhotra Three-month central contract Xavier Marshall One year central contract Monank Patel One year central contract Nisarg Patel Three-month central contract Sagar Patel Three-month central contract Timil Patel Three-month central contract Jasdeep Singh One year central contract Rusty Theron Three-month central contract Timroy Allen N/A Cameron Gannon N/A Ali Khan N/A Hayden Walsh Jr. N/A Elmore Hutchinson N/A Jannisar Khan N/A Roy Silva N/A The Backstory In June 2017, the ICC kicked out USACA due to governance and financing issues. USA Cricket took over, becoming an associate member in January 2019. They got full T20I status in April 2018. They played their first T20I match in March 2019 against the UAE. Their best was 6th in the 2001 ICC Trophy. They won the ICC Americas Championship in 2002 and played their first-class match in the ICC Intercontinental Cup in 2004. Winning the ICC 6 Nations Challenge got them into the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy. They played their first ODI against New Zealand in September 2004. In November 2021, the ICC announced the USA and West Indies would host the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Australia’s Stuart Law became their Head Coach before a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh in May 2024. Cricket & the USA – a budding relationship The state of cricket in the USA is a bit like the situation of basketball in India. It won’t be wrong to say that cricket players in the USA in terms of recognition and perks are similar to that of the basketball players in India. So, if you’re dreaming of cricket stardom in the USA, be prepared for a life of modest celebrity and paychecks that won’t quite let you buy your own island. It’s quite amusing, really, to see a country that excels in sports like the NFL, the NBA and others, where athletes are treated like royalty with extravagant pay contracts and top-notch care, do so little when it comes to cricket. It’s as if cricket in the USA is the forgotten middle child of American sports. Being a cricketer in the USA is akin to being a daily wage worker—except without the job security, and sometimes even the wages! Imagine training hard every day, dreaming of hitting sixes and taking wickets, only to find out your paycheck barely covers your cricket bat. It’s a bit like expecting a five-star meal and getting a hot dog instead. USA CRICKET TEAM PLAYERS LISTOn July 21, 2019, it was reported that 17 players had been given central contracts by USA Cricket. Below is the list of all the players on the USA Cricket Team: MEN’S USA CRICKET TEAM PLAYERS Player Role Batting Style Bowling Style Forms Gajanand Singh Batters Left-handed Left-arm medium ODI & T20I Aaron Jones Batters Right-handed Right-arm leg spin ODI & T20I Sushant Modani Batters Right-handed Right-arm off spin ODI & T20I Saiteja Mukkamalla Batters Right-handed Right-arm off spin ODI Marty Kain Batters Left-handed Slow left-arm orthodox T20I Nisarg Patel All-rounders Right-handed Right-arm off spin ODI & T20I Steven Taylor All-rounders Left-handed Right-arm off spin ODI & T20I Vatsal Vaghela All-rounders Left-handed Slow left-arm orthodox T20I Monank Patel Wicket-keepers Right-handed Slow left-arm orthodox ODI & T20I Jaskaran Malhotra Wicket-keepers Right-handed Slow left-arm orthodox ODI & T20I Shayan Jahangir Wicket-keepers Right-handed Slow left-arm orthodox ODI & T20I Nosthush Kenjige Spin bowlers Left-handed Right-arm off spin ODI & T20I Yasir Mohammad Spin bowlers Left-handed Right-arm leg spin ODI & T20I Usman Rafiq Spin bowlers Right-handed Right-arm off spin ODI Saurabh Netravalkar Pace bowlers Right-handed Left-arm medium ODI & T20I Cameron Stevenson Pace bowlers Right-handed Right-arm fast-medium ODI
Team India’s Head Coach Salary, Perks, Eligibility & Responsibilities
Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid has confirmed that the 2024 T20 World Cup would be his last assignment. Ahead of Team India’s opening game against Ireland, Dravid confirmed the development. He also said that he won’t be reapplying for the post. This means that the BCCI has to hunt for a new coach. The job of an Indian Cricket coach involves a lot of responsibility and pressure. Coaches travel for at least 10 months a year, staying away from their families to make sure the team performs well. However, there are also big benefits. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking for a new Head Coach for the men’s national team. Rahul Dravid, the current Head Coach, had his term extended until June 2024, covering the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and West Indies. The BCCI has published the job description for the Head Coach of Team India (Senior Men), based in Mumbai. The job lasts for 3.5 years, from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. Job Responsibilities The main tasks include building and managing a “world-class” cricket team that succeeds in all formats. The Head Coach will lead a group of specialist coaches and support staff, define their roles, and guide their development. Enforcing team discipline is also important. Team India’s Head Coach Eligibility Criteria Candidates need to have significant cricket experience, such as:– Playing in at least 30 Test matches or 50 ODIs, or– Coaching a full member Test-Playing Nation for at least two years. Alternatively, three years of experience as a head coach for an Associate member, IPL team, or equivalent is acceptable. Candidates must also hold a BCCI Level 3 Certification or equivalent and be below 60 years of age. SALARY FOR TEAM INDIA HEAD COACHThe salary for a national cricket coach can be very high, up to 10 crores per year. The BCCI says the salary for the Head Coach is “negotiable and will be commensurate with experience.” The exact details aren’t specified, but the BCCI emphasizes that the right candidate will be open to salary negotiations, ensuring an attractive package given the responsibilities of managing the Indian men’s team in all formats. In addition to the high salary, the national cricket coach enjoys luxurious travel and accommodation. The coach and the team travel business class and stay in the best hotels worldwide. TEAM INDIA AND COACHING STAFF’S DAILY ALLOWANCE ON AWAY TOURS DOUBLEDDuring tournaments and series, both team members and the coach receive a daily allowance for expenses. In 2019, this allowance was significantly increased to $250 (Rs 20,814.18) for overseas events, up from $125 (Rs 10,407.09). CURRENT SALARY OF TEAM INDIA HEAD COACHRahul Dravid earns Rs 12 crore a year as the head coach of Team India in all international formats. VVS Laxman temporarily replaced him and earned Rs 50 lakhs per month. Rahul Dravid’s annual salary is higher than any previous coach of the team, including Ravi Shastri and Anil Kumble. Ravi Shastri was the second highest-paid, earning Rs 9.5 crore per year when he was head coach. Rahul Dravid’s salary as head coach is also higher than some of the star players on the team, like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. WHO ELSE IS ON THE RICH-LIST AFTER DRAVID AND SHASTRI?After Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, former Australia cricket coach Justin Langer was one of the highest-paid cricket coaches of all time, earning an impressive Rs 4.5 crores. However, his salary was still much lower than the BCCI salary of Rahul Dravid. ALSO READ: Know the Richest Head Coach Candidate for Team India WHO IS NEXT AFTER DRAVID?Rahul Dravid was appointed as the interim coach for Team India in 2021, succeeding veteran cricketer Ravi Shastri. Shortly after, the former Team India player was made the permanent head coach. With Dravid’s tenure with the Indian Cricket Team ending soon and with BCCI approaching Gautam Gambhir to take on the Team India Head Coach job, the question is who would be the next in line to take up the coaching responsibility for the Indian Cricket Team? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
T20 World Cup 2024: Cricket Viewership Dynamics Is Changing, A Reality Check
Cricket is changing, has this thought crossed your mind off late? Especially after watching the IPL 2024. With less than a month to go for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, fans are waiting with bated breath for the matches. However, it is worth noticing how the fans would watch the games. Thus resulting in the advertisers needing to change their strategies as their reach might take a serious hit. It is speculated that fans’ viewing experience has changed, with comfort taking precedence, and rightfully so. Cricket Viewership – going the digital way2023 served as a turning point for digital sports streaming platforms. As per reports, close to 29.5 million people watched the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 on digital platforms instead of traditional TV. Why? Because digital is flexible – you can watch wherever you are, and the addition of cool features make watching more fun. The digital revolution in sports broadcasting is here to stay. View Sports, the way you like itCricket fans do not all watch in the same way. Some prefer the classic TV experience, with its large screen and sense of being part of a throng. Others like digital because it is more convenient—they can watch wherever and whenever they want, and they can view real-time statistics and analysis. To reach everyone, advertisers must first understand these variances. TV vs Digital – where’s the viewership?There’s always been a debate about television versus digital. Younger people, aged 15 to 34, tend to prefer watching cricket online. But the older generation still like to watch the game on their television sets. It is estimated that over 73 percent of the audience in India, has shifted to digital viewership, for the benefits they come along with. This means advertisers need to choose where to show their ads based on who they want to reach. Digital platforms are catching up to TVTelevision used to be the main way people watched cricket, but now digital platforms are catching up fast. There aren’t many people who watch both TV and digital, so advertisers need to think about where they’ll get the most views for their money. Spending money on ads needs a smart plan|Advertising during big cricket events, especially during ICC tournaments costs a lot, especially on TV. But here’s the thing: digital ads can reach just as many people, and they cost less. So, advertisers need to chalk a plan about how to spend their money wisely to get the most impact without spending too much. Winning at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024For brands that want to do well at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, having a smart strategy is key. It’s not just about choosing between TV and digital – it’s about making ads that work well on both. By looking at what people watched in 2023, especially during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and how they behaved, advertisers can make a plan to reach their target audience. Going with the digital flowMore and more people are watching cricket online, and advertisers need to keep up. As we get ready for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, understanding how people watch sports online is really important. By using data and knowing what works on both TV and digital, advertisers can make sure they reach lots of people. The stage is set and the competition is tough. The question is, will the advertisers step up or get left behind in the digital age? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Is this a T20 World Cup Full of Upsets?
The 2024 T20 World Cup has not even completed a week, but there have been some upsets already. If the USA’s win over Pakistan in Dallas, was the trigger, fans had quite a few shockers coming their way. On Friday, the cricket fraternity witnessed not one, but two upsets. In the first match played in Guyana, Afghanistan registered an annihilation over New Zealand by 84 runs. For many fans, this wasn’t an upset, but a clinical performance by Afghanistan against the Kiwis. In the second match, it was Bangladesh’s turn to stun Sri Lanka. Also Read: USA Cricket Team or Daily Wage Workers? In a closely fought contest in Dallas, Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 2 wickets to script the second upset of the day in the ongoing T20 World Cup. With three results going against strong teams, and the minnows making a strong statement, the tournament is already wide open. Is the 2024 T20 World Cup, the most competitive edition? Gone are the days, when there used to be favorites for a T20 World Cup. Yes, the likes of India, Australia, and England are still the leaders of the pack, but the gulf is decreasing pretty quickly between the rest of the sides. Take Afghanistan for example. Their performance over New Zealand cannot be considered a fluke anymore. They have stunned top teams in the past, especially in T20 format. Most of their players participate in the IPL, which gives them the ideal preparation to perform well under pressure. The heroes for Afghanistan against New Zealand – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, and Fazalhaq Farroqi have all proved their mettle in the IPL, and all the major T20 competitive leagues. Afghanistan’s win over New Zealand is a top-notch one. However, they have defeated the likes of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and even the West Indies in the past. During the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan, and Sri Lanka and registered a total of four wins from 9 matches. Can Bangladesh make a mark after upsetting Sri Lanka? Despite Bangladesh’s recent progress in 50-over-format, their performance in T20 cricket has been highly inconsistent. Thanks to Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, and useful knocks from Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh registered a major upset in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka, now with two losses from as many games is on the brink of elimination from the World Cup. Bangladesh’s win in Dallas should give them confidence, before their big game against South Africa. After a week of T20 World Cup action, no team can claim themselves to be unbeatable, especially in this format. While the USA paved the way, the likes of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and a few others can emerge as the giant slayers come week 2. This is the T20 World Cup, where upsets are no longer an upset, for the fans at least, if not for the teams at the receiving end. Also Read: USA’s win over Pakistan, bad news for the ICC?
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium: What is a Drop-in Pitch and how is it installed?
Drop-in pitches have already created quite a buzz in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Why should Team India fans be worried? India will play three out of their four Group A matches at the Nassau International Cricket Stadium in New York. This also includes the big one between India and Pakistan on June 09th. This is the same venue, which is making noise on social media, for its world-class infrastructure, and facilities. However, the discussions have now extended to the wicket as well, which for the record is a drop-in one. What is a drop-in pitch? As the name suggests, the drop-in pitch is a pitch – comprising soil, clay, and grass, that is prepared away from the ground. The same is then dropped into the site with the help of giant cranes, before the game. Once the usage is over, the pitches are removed and the ground can be used for other sports or activities. How are the drop-in pitches made? A quality drop-in pitch takes years to be cultivated. There are five steps involved in the preparation of a drop-in pitch. a) Construction: The drop-in wicket is made off-site but utilizing a special tray system used for holding the pitch. The tray can be easily transported plus installed to the venue b) Preparation: The method is similar to that of preparing traditional pitches. The main steps include pitch levelling, soil compacting, using the right amount of grass, and also the type of grass suitable to the venue and specific conditions. c) Installation: The installation is done by using heavy-duty cranes, but first comes the transportation to the venue. The drop-in pitch is installed at a designated area on the field. It is important to ensure that the correct pitch dimension is cut in advance – in depth, width, and height, for the drop-in wicket to be securely fixed in place. d) Maintenance: The drop-in pitch also requires regular maintenance like any other regular pitch, to keep it in a highly efficient working condition. Some of the steps include watering, rolling, mowing, and repairs if required. e) Testing: it is critical to test the pitch before usage in a high-profile tournament. This is done to maintain the required standards. Some of the tests include bounce tests, roll tests, and others to determine the quality of the pitch. When was the first-ever drop-in pitch used? The first-ever drop-in pitch was used way back in the 1970s in Perth, Australia. The stadium was WACA, and the curator was John Maley in the Kerry Packer World Series. Why are drop-in pitches used? The drop-in pitches are used at stadiums/venues which are multi-purpose stadiums. This means the stadiums host sports other than cricket. The drop-in pitches are used during the cricket season. Once the season is over, the pitches are removed and preserved for the next season. This is done by using a cricket pitch tray. The wickets are moved with a machine to ensure minimal damage to the outfield. Which grounds use drop-in pitches? Australia and New Zealand primarily use drop-in pitches. The Eden Park in Auckland and Westpac Stadium in Wellington use drop-in pitches to host cricket, football, and rugby matches. In the case of Australia, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Stadium (MCG), the Adelaide Oval, and the Opus Stadium in Perth use drop-in wickets. What is a drop-in pitch dimension? There is no specific dimension of a drop-in pitch. However, the MCG pitch is 24 meters long, 3 meters wide, 20 centimeters deep, and made up of black soil. They are prepared in steel frames. Are there any downsides to a drop-in pitch? The drop-in pitches are generally flat. Thus it takes away the natural speed and bounce that regular pitches are known for worldwide. The theory is that because drop-in pitches were prepared in steel casings that held them together, they didn’t crack and deteriorate. Are drop-in pitches used in India? Yes, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad uses drop-in pitches. The Motera’s square has 11 wickets, all of them made with different soil – black, red, or a combination of both. The Nassau International Cricket Stadium pitch is a drop-in one, prepared in Adelaide and then transported inside a shipping container to New York. The challenge lies in putting the trays together, the soil, and then putting the grass in. Nassau International Cricket Stadium – 2024 T20 WC Schedule Match Date Sri Lanka vs South Africa June 03, 2024 India vs Ireland June 05, 2024 Canada vs Ireland June 07, 2024 New Zealand vs South Africa June 08, 2024 India vs Pakistan June 09, 2024 South Africa vs Bangladesh June 10, 2024 Pakistan vs Canada June 11, 2024 USA vs India June 12, 2024 The debate between a drop-in pitch and a regular pitch will go on for decades. The rate at which cricket is changing, and the cricketers need to adapt to every challenge – playing on a drop-in wicket is one such challenge. Also Read: Nassau International Cricket Stadium: More than you know