Sport · Singapore Bureau
Cricket's US growth slower than expected, says Ponting
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting says cricket's expansion in the United States has progressed more gradually than anticipated, though he remains optimistic about the sport's prospects as it prepares for its Olympic debut in Los Angeles.
LSN Singapore ·
Cricket's growth trajectory in the United States has not matched initial expectations, according to former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who nonetheless believes the sport retains significant potential in the world's largest economy.
Ponting noted that while the expansion has been a "slow-burn," there are encouraging signs on the horizon. The U.S. national team is gradually becoming more competitive on the international stage, a development he views as crucial for building grassroots interest and mainstream appeal.
A major catalyst for the sport's development in America comes with cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The inclusion on the Olympic programme is expected to drive investment, media coverage, and participation across the country.
The comments reflect broader challenges cricket has faced in penetrating American sports culture, where traditional domestic sports have long dominated. However, the convergence of a strengthening national team and Olympic visibility could prove transformative for the sport's long-term prospects in the United States.