Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah recently met Micah Parsons, the renowned linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, ahead of India’s upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 clash against the United States in New York. This unique encounter saw the two athletes, icons in their respective sports, try their hands at each other’s games and exchange jerseys as a gesture of camaraderie.
The National Football League (NFL), one of the world’s most-watched sports leagues, shared snapshots of this exciting exchange. The pictures featured Parsons attempting to bat and bowl under Bumrah’s guidance, while Bumrah tried his skills in American football under Parsons’ tutelage.
The Indian fast bowler was also seen imparting some cricketing tips to the 25-year-old NFL star. “Going for 6! Football meets Cricket. @_micahparsons11 and cricket superstar @jaspritb1 met up to play each other’s sports,” read the caption of the NFL’s post on Instagram, highlighting this cross-sport interaction.
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This meeting was not an isolated event but part of a broader engagement between cricket and the NFL during the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. Earlier, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah visited the NFL headquarters in New York and met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
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Jay Shah presented Goodell with an American football helmet featuring the Team India crest and the Indian flag, symbolizing the growing friendship between the two sports. The interaction also included a personalized Indian jersey with Goodell’s name and the number “10,” representing a blend of cricket and football cultures.
As Team India prepares to face the USA at the Nassau Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, June 12, they are seen as overwhelming favorites. However, they remain cautious of the resilience shown by the Monank Patel-led American team throughout the tournament. India enters this match on a high note, having secured consecutive wins against Ireland and Pakistan.
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Similarly, the USA has made headlines with victories over Canada and Pakistan in their two matches so far. This encounter is crucial as the winning team will secure a spot in the Super Eight stage of the tournament. The USA, making their debut in the T20 World Cup, has already caused a stir by defeating Pakistan and will be keen to continue their impressive run. Nonetheless, overcoming a star-studded Indian side will be a formidable challenge.
