Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: Instagram/RCB)
West Indies international Chris Gayle expects the upcoming T20 World Cup to be a massive success in the United States of America. Notably, this is the first time when the North American country will be hosting a major ICC tournament.
Gayle expects that the inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) has already given a base to cricket in the United States and the upcoming T20 World Cup can help cricket get established to a wider audience in the country. Gayle believes that the match between India and Pakistan will be phenomenal.
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“The ICC (International Cricket Council) has been trying to get cricket on a global scale within the USA. India v Pakistan is in New York, I’m sure it’s going to be phenomenal. They (the USA) had a T20 tournament last year and it was a success. It’s a big market, we just have to hope it will be a success within the United States,” Gayle was quoted as saying by Cricket World.
Gayle optimistic about West Indies’ chances
West Indies failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup in 2022 and also for the ODI World Cup in 2023. However, Gayle expects the cricketers to step up and produce better performances in the coming tournament as he wants to see the Shai Hope-led side qualify for the finals.
“We missed out on the 50-over World Cup so this will be something fantastic for the guys to actually play for something. We just want to be in the (June 29) final here in Barbados. Anything is possible when you make it to the final. I’m excited for the people, to actually see a bit of cricket,” Gayle said.
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The mega tournament will begin on June 1 with the USA taking on Canada in Dallas.