Can cricket ever compete with other major US sports?
I am optimistic that we can, but I think it will be very difficult. Twenty20 cricket is a very sellable product for the US, but 50-over cricket and Test cricket may not adapt to the US market. Twenty20 cricket is a fast game and Americans like things to finish fast, like a baseball game. I definitely think that Americans will take to the game really well.
Who plays the sport and where is it popular?
The game has become more open to everybody in the US and quite a few Americans are playing it. It has been introduced into the schools and in New York there is a big schools tournament. The game has made great progress in the past decade as we are a very diverse nation, with people from all over the world living here and playing cricket. The main areas where the game is played are New York, Florida and California.
What would it mean to the sport in the USA if you were to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20?
I definitely think it would make a big difference as it would make sponsors and fans aware that we have the talent to compete at this level. As recently as 2004 we won the ICC six-nation tournament in the UAE and we qualified to play in the ICC Champions Trophy, where we had the chance to play against New Zealand and Australia. Judging from that we are optimistic that we can do well and are looking forward to competing. In Twenty20 cricket we can be a force to be reckoned with.
How would Indian Premier League be received in the USA?
I think that it would be received very well as the US population has lots of people living here. America is starving for good cricket, as not many people have the chance to go back to their own countries to watch international matches. If top-quality cricket is brought here I think people will take to it very well and will give us an overwhelming amount of support. I would love to have the chance to be involved as I have always wanted to be a professional athlete and play that level of cricket.
Political tensions…
We are looking forward to playing all the teams, but I think the match against Afghanistan will be an interesting encounter. It is something we are very much looking forward to. I really think that cricket can bridge the gap between people and bring them together. I have met some of their players before and had the chance to interact with them. Despite the limited opportunities and facilities they have, they have done a brilliant job in coming up the rankings.
