Former India all-rounder Abid Ali welcomed Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to play two T20 international matches between India and West Indies on American shores
June 30, 2012: Cricket fans cheer during the first T20I between West Indies and New Zealand at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida
Former India all-rounder Abid Ali welcomed Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to play two T20 international matches between India and West Indies on American shores. The decision was taken at the BCCI Emergent Working Committee meeting yesterday.
June 30, 2012: Cricket fans cheer during the first T20I between West Indies and New Zealand at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. pics/getty images
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The two matches will be played at the Central Broward Regional Park in Florida’s Fort Lauderdale on August 27 and 28 after the conclusion of the ongoing four-match Test series. Interestingly, few Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches were played there last year.
Abid, who played 29 Tests, scoring 1018 runs and took 47 wickets, said it is a very good initiative to popularise the game in the US.
Abid Ali
"There are a lot of Indians and West Indians in Florida and the West Indies are already involved in promoting cricket in America. This is a very good idea to bring in international matches to this region," the 74-year-old cricketer told mid-day from California yesterday.
The former India Test star also added that people are expected to fly down from other states to witness the Indian and West Indian superstars in action.
"I am sure there are lots of people who will come to watch these matches involving player’s like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. A lot of people are expected to come from different states as well," said Abid, adding, "People who love the game, people who are away from the game for a long time, will look forward to such international games."
Abid also said that television coverage would play an important role in promoting cricket in this part of the world. "TV has to come forward and help us. Obviously, when that happens, kids will watch the game and if they watch, they will come forward and start playing. The cricket association here has to build proper infrastructure and provide good playing conditions for those coming to play here," said an optimistic Abid.
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