*New Delhi, December 15:* As the International Cricket Council (ICC) and local organizing committees prepare to finalize the schedule for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, a potential clash between India and Pakistan in the group stage is anticipated at the pop-up stadium in Long Island, New York. The tournament, jointly hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America (USA), is scheduled to take place from June 4 to June 30.
The temporary 34,000-seater cricket stadium at Eisenhower Park on Long Island is poised to host the high-stakes encounter, catering to the significant Indian and Pakistani communities in downtown Manhattan. While some schedule adjustments are still possible, England and Australia are set to play their group games in the Caribbean, with England expected to compete in Antigua, Barbados, and St Lucia, while Australia may visit venues in St Vincent, Guyana, and Trinidad. ICC inspectors have recently assessed Caribbean venues, concluding their visit in Guyana this week.
Although some improvements are deemed necessary, no significant issues have been uncovered. While the venue for the final is yet to be confirmed, Barbados is likely to host the championship match. India, the inaugural champions of the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, will aim to secure another title in 2024.
The tournament will feature 20 teams initially divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super eight stage. The final is expected to showcase intense competition, with host nations West Indies and the USA, along with Australia, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh already qualified. Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, Canada, Nepal, Oman, Namibia, and Uganda earned their spots through regional qualifying tournaments, bringing diversity and fervor to the highly anticipated cricket event.
