Cricket, often revered as a religion in the subcontinent, owes its global fame and enduring charm to its dedicated fans. The unwavering loyalty of these fans, who cheer and support their teams even in the most challenging situations, adds a unique allure to the sport.
For the first time, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is being hosted in the USA, a country where cricket is not widely followed. Yet, the expatriate communities from South Asia have brought their enthusiasm and passion to the American venues. These fans, who have kept their love for cricket alive despite the challenges of following the sport in the USA, are flocking to the cities hosting the World Cup with increasing fervor.
During our coverage of the tournament in the USA, The Quint encountered a diverse array of passionate and colorful fans. For many South Asian fans in America, this is an exciting opportunity to enjoy their beloved game and ignite a love for cricket in the next generation.
One of the most intriguing fans we met is Waqar, who moved from Pakistan to the USA in 2003. Originally from Peshawar, Waqar has been a cricket enthusiast since childhood, playing whenever he could. Despite living in the USA for over two decades, Waqar’s passion for cricket has remained strong. He is thrilled to see international cricket being played in New York, a dream he never imagined possible when he first arrived in the USA. Waqar travels two hours from his home in New Jersey to watch the matches, a testament to his enduring love for the game.
Waqar’s dedication to cricket is evident in his personal life as well. He has created a cricket pitch in his backyard to train his son, hoping to inspire him to take up the sport. Despite his Pakistani roots, Waqar admires Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, demonstrating his love for the game transcends national boundaries. Waqar also makes cricket videos on YouTube, documenting the construction of the new Nassau Stadium, which has garnered attention from cricket fans worldwide.
We also met enthusiastic fans from Canada, such as a group of Indian-origin Canadians who drove over ten hours from Toronto to New York to watch the World Cup games. At an Indian eatery, Punjabi Dhaba, we had a lively interaction with them. The group was excited to see their favorite cricketers in person and didn’t mind the long travel. The children in the group expressed their admiration for players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, aspiring to become international cricketers for Canada.
Among the adults, Nishad from Toronto shared a heartfelt message about his desire to inspire his children. Reflecting on his own childhood, when his family couldn’t afford to take him to see sports events, Nishad emphasized the importance of giving his children opportunities to see their cricket heroes, hoping that cricket will grow in popularity in North America.
The India-Pakistan match was a highlight of the World Cup games in New York, creating a carnival-like atmosphere at the Nassau Stadium. Fans from both nations came together, chanting, laughing, and waving flags, creating an electrifying environment. Unlike the often tense matches in the subcontinent, this game was marked by a friendly and festive spirit, showcasing camaraderie between Indian and Pakistani fans.
