T20 World Cup 2024: Know All About USA Cricket Team And Its History

The T20 World Cup 2024 hosted by the USA is represented by the United States men's national cricket team. Initially organised by the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA), it became an ICC associate member in 1965. Expelled in 2017 due to governance and financial issues, ICC Americas temporarily oversaw the team until USA Cricket, granted associate membership in January 2019, took official charge.

All About USA Cricket Team and Its History

Early Roots(18th-19th Century)

Cricket in the United States has a long and varied history, dating back to the 18th century. George Washington himself was known to have participated in a game of wickets during the American Revolution. In 1844, the United States played its first international cricket match against Canada, marking the beginning of a long-standing rivalry. The match attracted a massive crowd of 20,000 people, with substantial wagers placed on the outcome.

International Cricket and the Philadelphian Exception (1844-1900)

During the 19th century, cricket faced a decline in popularity as baseball gained traction. Changes in baseball rules, such as the introduction of easily manufactured round bats, contributed to its rise. Additionally, cricket in the United States remained largely amateur and elitist, while countries like England and Australia were moving towards a professional version of the game. By 1900, baseball had become the dominant sport in the country.

The Philadelphian cricket team, active between 1878 and 1913, was a notable exception to the declining trend. Despite the overall decline of cricket in the country, Philadelphia maintained a strong cricket tradition, producing a first-class team that competed globally. John Barton King, a member of the Philadelphian team, was recognised as one of the finest bowlers of all time.

Cricket's Resurgence and Challenges (1900-1960s)

Cricket continued to be a minor pastime in the United States until the mid-1960s when the International Cricket Conference (ICC) expanded its membership to include countries outside the British Empire. This paved the way for the United States to participate in international cricket competitions.

Strides and Setbacks in International Cricket (2000-2023)

In the 21st century, the United States Cricket Team made strides in various tournaments. They participated in the ICC Trophy and ICC Americas Championship, achieving their best performance in the 2001 ICC Trophy where they finished sixth. In 2004, they played their first One Day International (ODI) match against New Zealand, and in 2005, they had the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup but fell short.

The team's fortunes fluctuated over the years, with promotions and relegations in different divisions of the ICC tournaments. Notably, they finished second in the 2010 Division Five and won promotion to 2010 Division Four. They made their ODI debut in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004 but faced defeats against New Zealand and Australia.

In 2015, the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) faced suspension from the ICC due to governance, finance, and cricketing concerns. The suspension was lifted in 2019, and a new governing body, USA Cricket, was officially admitted as an associate member of the ICC.

The 2019–22 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 became an opportunity for the United States to qualify for the 2022 Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The team played its first T20 International match in March 2019 and achieved a historic victory against Ireland in December 2021.

Recent Developments and Renewed Focus

As of 2023, the United States participated in the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off, marking their first appearance in the ICC World Cup Qualifier since 2005. The team has experienced ups and downs throughout its cricketing journey, but recent developments indicate a renewed focus on international competition and growth in the sport within the country.

US Cricket Team Coach And Coaching History

Darlington became the coach after J. Arunkumars’s tenure ended in December 2022.

Current Coach: Kevin Darlington

Former Coaches

2012–2014: Robin Singh

2015–2016: Nasir Javed

2016–2019: Pubudu Dassanayake

2019–2020: James Pamment (interim)

2020–2022: J. Arunkumar

2023–present: Kevin Darlington

USA Cricket Team Current Squad

Here is the current squad of the United States men's national cricket team:

USA will be Playing in the ICC T20 Men’s Cricket Tournament 2024 as they automatically qualified as the hosts.

Facts About The USA Cricket Team

1751: The first public report of a cricket match in North America was documented in the New York Gazette and the Weekly Post Boy. The report covered a match between New York 11 City and London Eleven. 

1778: Anecdotal accounts are suggesting that, during the summer at Valley Forge, George Washington's soldiers engaged in a game they referred to as "Wickets."

1786: The first advertisement for cricket equipment made its appearance in the New York Independent Journal.

1833: Haverford College in Pennsylvania becomes home to one of the oldest collegiate cricket clubs, with a rich and established history.

1859: From October 3-5, the inaugural international cricket match occurred at Hoboken, New Jersey, between England and a team representing the United States. England posted a score of 156 and successfully bowled out the USA XXII for 38 and 54 in two innings.

1874: The visit of the first team from the USA to England involved a group of baseball players who also participated in cricket matches.

1877: The first edition of 'The American Cricketer' magazine was published on June 28th.

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