If you have been paying attention, you know that a massive 34,000-seat stadium is nearly completed in the center of Eisenhower Park. The county is set to host the ICC Cricket T20 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers from June 3 to June 12.
Based on the chatter between neighbors and around the workplace watercooler, it is common to hear that many Long Islanders are not familiar with the game or are aware of its global reach amongst sports fans.
Here’s a quick look at the sport.
Cricket, a sport with deep historical roots and a global following, is a game of strategy, skill, and tradition. Originating in England in the 16th century, it has evolved into a popular sport enjoyed by millions worldwide, especially in countries like India, Australia, England, Pakistan, and the West Indies. Understanding the basic ideas of cricket and its journey to widespread popularity provides insight into its enduring appeal.
The Objective and Rules
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players each on a circular or oval-shaped field. At the center of the field is a 22-yard pitch with a wicket at each end, consisting of three stumps topped by two bails.
The game is divided into formats based on the number of overs (six legal deliveries):
Test Cricket: The longest format, lasting up to five days with each team batting twice.
One Day Internationals (ODIs): Limited to 50 overs per side, completed in a single day.
Twenty20 (T20): The shortest format, with 20 overs per side, designed to be completed in about three hours.
The primary objective is to score more runs than the opposing team. A run is scored when batsmen hit the ball and run to the opposite end of the pitch. The team bowling attempts to dismiss the batsmen through various methods such as bowling the ball to hit the stumps, catching the ball before it hits the ground, or running out a batsman before they complete a run.
Key Roles On The Field
Batsmen: Their job is to score runs by hitting the ball bowled at them.
Bowlers: They aim to dismiss the batsmen and restrict the number of runs scored.
Fielders: They support the bowlers by catching the ball, fielding to stop runs, and throwing the ball to run out batsmen.
Wicketkeeper: A specialized fielder behind the stumps who catches balls the batsmen miss and attempts stumpings.
Historical Development
Cricket’s popularity grew significantly during the British Empire’s expansion, introducing the game to colonies where it took root and flourished. By the 19th century, it was well-established in countries like India, Australia, and the West Indies.
Modern standings
India: Cricket is almost a religion in India, with a massive fan base and significant influence on the sport’s global economy. The Indian Premier League (IPL), a T20 competition, has revolutionized cricket with its fast-paced format, attracting top players worldwide and generating substantial revenue.
Australia and England: As traditional powerhouses, these countries maintain a fierce rivalry, especially in The Ashes series, one of the oldest and most celebrated contests in cricket.
The West Indies: Known for producing legendary players and a distinct style of play, the West Indies’ influence on cricket is profound, particularly in the shorter formats of the game.
Here is the schedule lineup for next week’s games:
Monday, June 3: Sri Lanka versus South Africa
Wednesday, June 5: India versus Ireland
Friday, June 7: Canada versus Ireland
Saturday, June 8: Netherlands versus South Africa
Sunday, June 9: India versus Pakistan
Monday, June 10: South Africa versus Bangladesh
Tuesday, June 11: Pakistan versus Canada
Wednesday, June 12: USA versus India
Tickets
Visit www.tickets.t20worldcup.com for tickets and hospitality packages for the upcoming Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup.
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