 Cricket in the USA is currently played on a regional basis |
A senior International Cricket Council official has again indicated that serious consideration is being given to the prospect of staging some World Cup matches in the USA in 2007. The tournament is due to be hosted in the West Indies, but the ICC believes there is also an opportunity to raise the profile of the game in the USA.
"The ICC has been looking at the option of fast tracking cricket development in the USA, and this includes the possibility of some 2007 World Cup games being played in the US," said Global Development Manager Andrew Eade.
He was speaking after a meeting of ICC Development Committee and USA Cricket Association officials in New York.
And his views have been welcomed by two former US captains.
Sew Shivnarine, who also played eight Tests for the West Indies in 1977-78, said: "It will be good for cricket in America if the ICC gets involved. It will improve the administration, facilities and venues.
"It definitely will be a shot in the arm for cricket if World Cup games are played here."
 Disneyland in Orlando could a possible World Cup venue |
Zamin Amin commented: "I would say there is a big market here because there are so many people from cricket-playing countries, who are interested in the game." Florida is thought to be the likeliest option for staging World Cup games because of its weather, large Caribbean community and tourist attractions.
Chris Dehring, managing director of the 2007 World Cup, told the BBC Sport website earlier this year that playing part of the tournament in America was a "distinct possibility".
He said: "We have had expressions of interest from several cities in the US as to whether they can be a part of the World Cup."
The USA are ranked 16th of the ICC's 84 member countries.
They failed to qualify for the 2003 World Cup after finishing fifth in the ICC Trophy qualifying tournament behind Holland, Canada, Namibia and Scotland.
But ICC president elect Ehsan Mani has already indicated his desire to see the game take off on the North American continent.
"You can't truly have an international game based on 10 teams, you have to be expansionist and open up new markets," he said last year.
MMIX
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