The eagerly awaited India-Pakistan cricket match will be held in New York on the 9th of June. The former cricket star Yuvraj Singh, who has played many an exciting confrontation between the two nations said he was looking forward to the game because it would be his first ever sitting at the stands for it.
“It’s a game of emotion. We win and they go crazy. We lose and they go crazy. But, if we win, they will go crazy with us. If we lose, they will go crazy with us. That’s the difference.” Yuvraj said.
“But I think no matter whether it’s India, Pakistan or any other game I am sure that guys are going to 100%. It is just that I always feel that the team who control their emotion on that day better and focus on the match situation, they will win the game.
“We have beaten them more times than they have had over us in past few years. So hopefully we can keep going.”
“I think I would not be that nervous going into India-Pakistan game watching it because I’ve watched on TV but never been to ground watching an India-Pakistan match this will be first time.”
Yuvraj said “locals” will need to “play the game and explore it” in order for cricket to gain traction in America. He is astounded by Americans’ propensity for packaging their sports.
The ongoing T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by USA and West Indies; with games slated at New York, Dallas, as well as Fort Lauderdale (Florida).
“To all those (Indian American) fans who come here for cricket who I know want India to win but I think you should encourage your American friends and all people around world to come watch every game and encourage sport of cricket in America,” Yuvraj said.
Yuvraj was present at the Fan Park launch at Oculus Trade Center in New York where he is an ICC Ambassador for the T20 World Cup.
“I’m sure this is a place where all the best sports in the world are played. America is a place where all sports are popular.
“In our country, I know cricket is very popular amongst other sports but I think it will be amazing to watch cricket grow in America because I feel the way the Americans package sports, I don’t see as much happening around the world,” he added.
This is first time that USA- an International Cricket Council (ICC)- member, has hosted such a big cricket tournament and it has attracted some attention in this region of the world that is passionate about American football (NFL), baseball, and NBA.
“Definitely, the interest is growing in America. The major league (cricket) has come and done really well, cricket is really growing. I think the way Americans package sports is amazing; if they can package cricket like that as they do with their sports it will be great to watch.
“But again along the way locals will have to play the game and explore it. It’s going to take time. But as I said Americans…., they way they package sports…., it’s amazing ………..and if they can do it with cricket , it will be good to watch.” Yuvraj said.
What Yuvraj thrilled to see is that Americans do not only participate but also host their own first premier international cricket competition. To begin with, the USA defeated Canada by seven wickets in Dallas.
“Wishing you and American team best of luck, but India is currently leading far away in cricket. Part of you which is Indian too so I know inside you desire for India to win.”
“To speak a little about this iconic place, we all know the history that took place here and we all know what happened and people’s lives count.
“And may the best team win to the World Cup teams, I wish them all the best and good luck, I hope you guys have a great time watching it and shout for all teams. You want to support only India but cheer other teams if India is not playing,” Yuvraj said.
