Rohit Sharma and Nazmul Hossain Shanto Marvel at New York Stadium
The New York stadium is set to host its first tournament match on June 3, but cricket fans are eagerly awaiting June 1 when the ground will host two cricketing heavyweights as they prepare for their respective campaigns.
After a disappointing series defeat to the USA, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team is eager to formulate a winning strategy. Meanwhile, the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, is looking forward to their sole warm-up match before the T20 World Cup, which they hope to win on June 29.
The sight of the two international cricket captains marveling at the new facility, which was completed in just three months, is surreal. The stadium is expected to play a significant role in hosting the largest T20 World Cup ever.
Najmul Hossain Shanto was astounded when he saw the stadium in person, having only seen it in photos and time-lapses during its construction.
“It’s unbelievable. I think it’s crazy,” Shanto began. “I mean we all saw on the internet there was nothing (three months ago). Now it looks like a proper stadium and feels great.”
“The Eastern grandstand (in particular), I didn’t expect it to be like this. I think it’s almost a proper stadium. The ground itself looks very good. It’s a proper cricket ground.”
“To be very honest I wasn’t expecting anything like this but we all followed on social media how the wicket looks like, how the ground would be, and we are very excited as to what is going to happen here.”
“It feels very good and looks crazy to me.”
The stadium, which can accommodate up to 34,000 spectators, was quickly erected with temporary stands designed by Populous. The turf was supplied by LandTek Group, a company with successful projects with both New York Major League Baseball teams and the Inter Miami Major League Soccer team.
The drop-in turf square was curated in Florida by Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions and head curator Damian Hough, driven on a 20-hour trip in several pieces before being moved into the centre.
Looking around at the stands and peering towards the centre square, a relaxed Rohit Sharma saluted those who pieced together the bold project.
“It looks beautiful. 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,” the India captain said.
“It’s a decent capacity as well. Hopefully it’s gonna be a good one.”
While enjoying a moment to take in the scenery, India must hit the ground running in the warm-up, with their first group game at the same venue on 8 June against Ireland.
“We’re looking to understand the conditions more importantly (before the tournament proper) as we haven’t been here before,” Rohit continued.
“(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.”
“People in New York will be very interested in coming and watching the World Cup, with the World Cup happening for the first time here.”
“I’m pretty sure all the fans across the various teams are quite excited and looking forward to this tournament. And also as players can’t wait to get started.”
Limited general admission tickets remain available for the opening match in New York, and tickets inclusive of food and beverage are also available for all games in Nassau County, including India against Pakistan. Fans should not miss out on a chance to be a part of history with the first ICC World Cup matches being played in New York. Visit tickets.t20worldcup.com for details or email [email protected]