Cricket is breaking new ground as the T20 World Cup kicks off in Texas. This historic event marks the first major international cricket tournament held in the United States. The month-long festival will see matches played across Texas, Florida, New York, and the Caribbean, bringing the fast-paced excitement of T20 cricket to American soil.
On Saturday, the U.S. faces off against Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium near Dallas, launching this unprecedented tournament. While most games will take place in the Caribbean, 16 group stage matches will be played in the U.S., including the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at a 34,000-capacity temporary venue in Long Island, New York, on June 9.
USA batsman Aaron Jones emphasized the importance of impressing American fans both on and off the field. “What you do on the field is very important,” Jones said. “We want to get more support from American-born fans by playing well and interacting with them.”

The ICC views this tournament as a stepping stone for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the T20 format will shine. The launch of Major League Cricket last year also signals growing interest in the U.S., with hopes that the World Cup will further boost the sport’s profile.
But the T20 World Cup isn’t just about expanding in the U.S. It’s also a platform for newer cricket nations. Teams like the USA, Canada, and Uganda are making their T20 World Cup debuts, while nations like Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Oman look to make their mark on the big stage.
India, winners of the first T20 World Cup in 2007, are favorites, boasting a lineup full of IPL stars. Australia, fresh off their ODI World Cup and World Test Championship wins, also pose a significant threat despite leaving out veteran Steve Smith. Defending champions England, co-hosts West Indies, and teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan will all vie for the title in a tournament known for its surprises.
As cricket steps into uncharted territory in the U.S., fans and players alike are eager to see how this historic event unfolds, potentially setting the stage for cricket’s return to the Olympics and a new era of American cricket fandom.