Cricket in America: ICC ready to establish advisory groups for USA

New Delhi: Despite it's recent increase in popularity, cricket is still an alien sport in the United States of America. But the gentleman's game could soon find a foothold in the country, if International Cricket Council's efforts produced any tangible result.

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the ICC is ready to formation of four advisory groups to guide the implementation of the ICC's strategic plan for USA cricket. Considering the presence of vast population of people of South Asian origin, cricket can become a popular sport in the country.

The report claimed that, the framework for the ICC's strategic plan - which includes targets for USA to qualify for the 2019 World Cup, the 2020 World Twenty20 and put in a bid to host the 2024 World Twenty20 - was relayed to stakeholders at a series of town hall meetings conducted around the USA by ICC staff in November.

It further revealed that ICC's head of global development, Tim Anderson, had sent a letter to all stakeholders declaring that four advisory groups were in the process of being formed during the month of February.

It can noted that the international cricket body had suspended the USA Cricket Association last June, and there seems to be no movement to lift the suspension.

In between, the ICC, according to the report, is coordinating a summit next month in Colorado Springs, home of the US Olympic Committee headquarters, to engage with youth cricket officials from around the country.

Cricket All-Stars, an exhibition Twenty20 cricket series featuring two line-ups of renowned retired cricket players from around the world, was held in USA last year. Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and spin wizard Shane Warne led their respective sides Sachin's Blasters and Warne's Warriors played three matches with huge turn-outs.