Start of new beginning in United States: Kumble on T20s
FORT LAUDERDALE: Impressed by the facilities at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, the only ICC certified ODI standard stadium, Indian coach Anil Kumble says the two T20 Internationals+ against West Indies is the start of a “new beginning” for cricket in the USA.
The future of cricket in the United States will in focus when India and the West Indies meet in the two matches, starting on Saturday.
Kumble said, “It’s a wonderful initiative and we are really looking forward to our matches here, it’s going to be a sellout. We know US, the expats and the huge Indian Diaspora who want quality cricket to come to the US.
“We have played in the past in the West Indies and a lot of Indians come over from the US to watch us. So this is a great opportunity for all of them and I’m sure this is the start of a new beginning in the United States and I’m sure there will be a lot more of the Indian team in the US going forward.”
Kumble has been pleasantly surprised by the facilities.
“I certainly didn’t expect the facilities to be as good as what it is in the United States,” Kumble said on Thurday.
I certainly felt that it could be a makeshift. I had heard about Florida and this ground, but very impressed with the facilities that we have seen today. It’s the first time that I’m seeing this ground and the wickets are good, ideal probably for a T20, and the practice facilities have been good, the outfield looks fantastic. So all in all, really impressed with the facilities here.”