The latest instalment of the T20 World Cup is set to unfold in the United States of America and the West Indies, marking the USA’s inaugural hosting of an ICC event. In preparation for this global spectacle, a brand-new stadium has been erected in East Meadow, New York. The Nassau County stadium boasts a seating capacity of approximately 34,000 spectators, providing a fitting venue for the tournament’s thrilling encounters.
Constructed by the renowned firm Populous, which previously built the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, the stadium features a makeshift aluminum exterior. Among the highly anticipated matches scheduled at this venue is the India versus Pakistan showdown. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, visiting the new arena ahead of India’s warm-up fixture against Bangladesh, expressed his excitement.
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“We’re looking to understand the conditions more importantly (before the tournament proper) as we haven’t been here before. (We will) try and make the most of the conditions, get used to what it’s going to be like on June 5 when we play our first game. It’s just about getting into that rhythm of getting the feel of the ground, pitch, and stuff like that,” Rohit Sharma shared in a video uploaded by ICC.
Some amazing first impressions of Nassau County International Cricket Stadium from the captains of India and Bangladesh at the #T20WorldCup 😲
Details 👇 https://t.co/LlbkSksYLs
— ICC (@ICC) May 31, 2024
Describing the stadium’s expansive layout, Sharma eagerly anticipated the electrifying atmosphere on match day.
“It’s quite an open ground. When we come here and play our first game, I just can’t wait to feel the atmosphere in the stadium. It’s a decent capacity as well. Hopefully, it’s gonna be a good one. People in New York will be very interested in coming and watching the World Cup, as it is happening for the first time here,” he added.
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India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off against Ireland on June 5, followed by the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9. The Indian team, despite being the inaugural champions of the ICC T20 tournament in 2007, has yet to claim the T20 silverware since then, adding extra anticipation to their quest for glory in this edition.
