New York Hosts Historic India-Pakistan Cricket World Cup Match

New York, June 7, 2024 – For the first time, New Yorkers will witness a thrilling cricket spectacle as India faces Pakistan in a T20 World Cup match on Sunday at Eisenhower Park, Long Island. This historic encounter marks the first World Cup cricket match hosted in a US city between these Asian powerhouses.

“India-Pakistan is the game everyone would like to watch, and it’s happening in our backyard,” said Ajith Shetty, president of two local cricket leagues. “I’m very, very thrilled,” the Indian native told AFP.

Despite the excitement, many fans in the bustling Little India neighborhood of Queens expressed disappointment over not being able to attend due to high ticket prices. “I asked about it, but it’s so expensive. I’ll watch it on my mobile,” said 31-year-old Rajeet Krishna.

The 34,000-seat stadium sold out months ago, with resale tickets starting at $800.

IPL founder Lalit Modi criticized the inflated prices, emphasizing that the tournament aims to expand the game and engage fans, not profit from gate collections.

Beyond the Indian and Pakistani communities, immigrants from other South Asian countries are eagerly anticipating the face-off. “Like lion and tiger,” is how Faros Ahmed, a Bangladeshi native, described the rivalry. Ahmed, who supports Pakistan, plans to broadcast the game for his restaurant customers.

Although both countries are cricket giants, their head-to-head matches are rare and confined to ICC competitions. The last test match between India and Pakistan was in 2007.

Roop Sajnani, an Indian native who manages a sari store, expressed confidence in India’s victory. Meanwhile, Mostakim Shahed, a 20-year-old Bangladeshi student, shared his playful hope to see India lose.

Sunday’s match is critical for Pakistan, which faces possible elimination after a surprising loss to the United States, ranked 18th globally. This upset has sparked increased interest in cricket across the US, where the sport remains relatively unknown.

“All the news channels are talking about it, people are explaining what cricket is,” Shetty said, hoping the tournament will lead to “better infrastructure” for local players. However, the temporary stadium will be dismantled in July, leaving local leagues to continue their search for a dedicated arena.

This match not only highlights the global reach of cricket but also underscores the deep-rooted rivalries and cultural connections that make the sport so compelling.