Babar, Kohli on equal with LeBron James in terms of popularity, says Plunkett

• Big cricket stars like Kohli & Azam can boost US cricket during T20 World Cup.
• US T20 WC sees high demand – India vs Pakistan tickets at $1500!
• Plunkett sees US cricket growth & wants to open a cricket academy after retirement.

Liam Plunkett, a champion of the World Cup from England, is of the opinion that cricket luminaries such as Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have the potential to elevate the sport’s status in the United States during the forthcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.

The tournament, set to commence on June 1, is a joint venture between the United States and the West Indies.

This tournament signifies a historic event as it is the first major international cricket event to be held in the US.

Plunkett highlighted the high ticket demand, drawing a comparison between the popularity of cricket superstars and NBA legend LeBron James. He underscored the worldwide appeal of cricket and its importance, particularly the rivalry between India and Pakistan, which garners more viewership than the NFL Super Bowl.

The upcoming match could feature a fierce competition between two of the world’s premier batsmen, specifically India’s Kohli and Pakistan’s Azam.

“I know it’s hard to get tickets,” Plunkett conveyed to AFP during a video call from Philadelphia. “People are asking me for tickets, like I’m Ticketmaster or something. I’ve got nothing to do with it.

“I’m sure there will be a resale value. People are trying to sell it for $1,500 and people are buying the tickets for that, which is crazy to think.

“I said to someone, ‘If you had Babar Azam and Virat Kohli stood next to (NBA star) LeBron James, the queues for the cricketers would be just as long or not longer’. They are so massive around the world.

“People don’t believe that. People in America don’t realise that more people watch India v Pakistan than watch the (NFL) Super Bowl, which is crazy.”

Plunkett, who participated in the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) the previous year, sees a potential for the expansion of cricket in the US. Reflecting on England’s recent cricket performances, he maintains an optimistic outlook about their chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup despite the challenges.

As Plunkett ponders his future in cricket, he aspires to contribute to the sport’s growth in the US, contemplating the establishment of a cricket academy after retirement. He expresses satisfaction with his life in the States with his wife, emphasizing opportunities to promote cricket in the community.

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