The 2024 ICC T20 World Cup promises to be a groundbreaking event, co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies. A total of 9 cricket stadiums across these regions are set to host matches, with 16 games scheduled in the USA across three cities: Lauderhill, Dallas, and New York. The remaining 41 matches will take place in the West Indies across six different cities. The semi-finals will be played in Trinidad and Guyana, while the finals will be hosted in Barbados. Here’s a detailed look at each venue:
USA VENUES
- Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Texas
- Capacity: 7,000
- Pitch Report: The stadium has yet to host an international match, but domestic records indicate that batting first is advantageous. The warm weather will also play a significant role in the games.
- Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
- Capacity: 34,000
- Pitch Report: This newly built stadium will host the marquee match between India and Pakistan. The pitch soil, imported from Adelaide Cricket Ground, suggests a batting-friendly surface, though it’s still untested in international matches.
- Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida
- Capacity: 20,000
- Pitch Report: Known for hosting several international matches, including a bilateral series between India and the West Indies in 2019. The pitch is batting-friendly, promising high-scoring games.
WEST INDIES VENUES
- Providence Cricket Stadium, Guyana
- Capacity: 20,000
- Pitch Report: This venue is less favorable for batting, with an average T20 score of 150-160 runs, making it a challenging ground for batsmen.
- Kensington Oval, Barbados
- Capacity: 28,000
- Pitch Report: One of the oldest cricket grounds in the Caribbean, known for its pace and bounce, allowing batsmen to play fearlessly.
- Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, Antigua
- Capacity: 10,000 (temporarily increased during tournaments)
- Pitch Report: Named after the legendary Viv Richards, the pitch is slow and difficult to bat on, with an average T20 score of 127 runs.
- Brian Lara Cricket Stadium, Trinidad
- Capacity: 15,000
- Pitch Report: Named after Brian Lara, this stadium has a slow pitch where batting becomes progressively harder as the match goes on.
- Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St Vincent
- Capacity: 18,000
- Pitch Report: A challenging venue for batters, with an average first innings T20 score of 144, indicating a low-scoring pitch.
- Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia
- Capacity: 13,000 (expanded to 20,000 for the World Cup)
- Pitch Report: Favors bowlers, especially spinners, making it difficult for batsmen. Toss winners should opt to bowl first as the pitch improves later in the game.
The 2024 ICC T20 World Cup is set to deliver thrilling cricket action, showcasing top talent across unique venues in the USA and the West Indies. From batting-friendly grounds to challenging pitches favoring bowlers, each stadium will play a crucial role in shaping the tournament’s outcome. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or new to the sport, this World Cup promises unforgettable moments and high-stakes matches. Get ready for a cricketing extravaganza!
