India vs Pakistan: T20 World Cup game shows cricket has arrived in the United States

The city of New York resembles a jungle made of concrete, where opportunities are abundant and possibilities are limitless.

Following an exciting, intense and thrilling game between India and Pakistan, rumors have circulated about the possibility of the two countries co-hosting a T20 World Cup.

This was the game – not an ordinary game, but THE game that determined the success of the US portion of this event.

The International Cricket Council would be pleased that their aspirations of establishing cricket in America have been successful, despite the possibility of rain hindering the occasion.

The fans got soaked before the game began, but they didn't care much about the fact that there was no shelter in the exposed stands.

"After the rain stopped, Arjun from New Jersey exclaimed, 'Who cares about the weather? I'm going to witness the greatness of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah!'"

Around 34,028 people attended an event held in a temporary stadium that was constructed for $32 million. The success of this event does not necessarily determine the profitability, but it's evident that cricket's popularity is increasing in the United States.

Many people had a strong longing to attend an India versus Pakistan game, to the extent that tickets for the event could have been completely sold out multiple times.

The New York Mets baseball team's home, Citi Field, allowed fans who couldn't get into the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium to catch a game on a large television screen.

There is no cost, but the MLB marketers are not lenient. Similarly, the ICC is looking to expand its influence in America, while cricket is seeking to establish itself in the South Asian region.

Irfan, a Pakistan supporter, commented that the cost of tickets for the game seemed a bit high, but he acknowledged that it was a matter of supply and demand. He had driven all night from Toronto to attend the match.

He was fortunate enough to be selected in the lottery. However, other people had to spend as much as $2,000 (around £1,571) to buy tickets on resale websites. Nonetheless, prices decreased significantly as the match approached.

The commitment of South Asians living in the United States to participating in, watching, and supporting cricket games could be what keeps it alive.

Hafeez, a supporter of Pakistan who lives in Coventry, was seated on the bleachers with his infant in a stroller. He had won entrance to the event by participating in a contest. From this perch, he observed the action on the field.

"The fans' passion speaks volumes about the significance of cricket," he expressed.

At the pop-up stadium in Eisenhower Park, the corporate sections were equipped with comfortable seats. Interestingly, the plastic wrap covering them was removed for the first time in the stadium's history. It is worth noting that these seats remained unused during previous games.

The cricket elite arrived via bus for the event. Sachin Tendulkar was surrounded by fans, while famous actors from Bollywood socialized. Nobel Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai showed support for Pakistan.

Chris Gayle walked around the field wearing a stunning white suit with an orange and green sleeve for India and a green sleeve for Pakistan. He was beaming with delight, even requesting the players to autograph it.

The performance was bold, domineering, and highly entertaining. Even Ravi Shastri, the ringmaster of the event, elevated his showmanship skills during the coin toss.

There is a request for the presence of India and Pakistan players here as well. This is not just about them developing their own brands in the United States.

While in New York, Kohli and his wife, the popular Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, managed to steal some time alone and get coffee together. In their home country, this would be nearly impossible to do without being mobbed by fans.

The security was very strict. There were dogs able to detect scents, specialists trained in the safe disposal of bombs, military-style armored vehicles, helicopters flying around the area, teams who were watching and monitoring, and officers from every possible police department. They even had hidden sharpshooters positioned around the area.

Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, who played a crucial role in bringing the event to New York City, referred to the security arrangements for the occasion as "the Super Bowl on steroids."

After all, the United States is known for having larger-sized items.

What's next? Major League Cricket will take over with their impressive roster of players, and the tournament will begin shortly after the World Cup ends.

A group of representatives from the International Olympic Committee visited the city recently to inspect the temporary stadium in New York and hold discussions with different parties involved.

It's almost certain that India and Pakistan are eyeing the Los Angeles 2028 matchup.

We'll have to wait and see what unfolds in the United States before that time comes.