With anticipation building before the match, a large crowd of dedicated fans gathered nearly two hours prior, eagerly awaiting the arrival of legendary Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi. Chanting his name and expressing their admiration, the fans hoped for a chance to meet him, take a photo, or obtain an autograph. Richard Berridge, CEO of the Global T20 Cricket tournament, acknowledged the passion of these true fans, stating, “They truly love the game.”
The fans had come to witness Afridi and his Toronto Nationals take on the Vancouver Knights in one of the final matches of the three-week-long tournament held in Brampton, Ontario. The GT20 tournament, making its return after a hiatus since 2019, had previously attracted nearly 150 million viewers, establishing itself as the second-largest sporting event in North America, surpassed only by the Super Bowl.
Berridge reflected on the swift organization and execution of the tournament, including immigration processes, stadium construction, and drawing in crowds. He voiced plans for future editions to be even grander and more successful, expressing his excitement for the next year’s event.
The GT20 tournament has managed to attract international talents, such as Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan, who has faced top-level competition worldwide. Rizwan acknowledged the tournament’s potential but highlighted the need for further growth and development to establish it among prominent leagues like the Pakistani Super League and Indian Premier League.
While the GT20 was among the first leagues outside South Asia and Australia to draw international players, it faces stiff competition from newcomers like Major League Cricket and The Hundred. Berridge sees these leagues as potential partners rather than rivals, aiming to collaborate and expand the cricket market, not only in North America but also throughout South America and the Caribbean.
For Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle, playing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) holds a sense of familiarity and cultural connection. Given the vibrant Caribbean culture present in the region, Gayle feels at home, emphasizing the passionate cricket fans who embrace both Asian and Caribbean cricket traditions. Having played in top T20 leagues worldwide, Gayle believes the GT20 has the potential to rank among the best leagues globally.
Regarding the treatment of star players, Rizwan praised the tournament’s outstanding organization and arrangements. He expressed gratitude for the love and support from Pakistani fans, which brings him joy and motivates him to perform well.
As the GT20 coincides with the start of Caribana, Gayle eagerly anticipates participating in the festivities, stating that he is always ready to join in the celebrations.
Looking to the future, Berridge aims to expand viewership beyond India and South Asia by tapping into the North American market. Despite potentially lower viewership volume, he believes the value of North American viewership surpasses any other market due to its commercial importance in the sports industry.
While the CAA grounds in Brampton have undergone significant transformations to accommodate the tournament, including VIP suites and multiple scoreboards, the lack of lighting prevents night games. Berridge intends to install permanent or portable lighting systems to facilitate evening matches, striking a balance between optimal broadcast hours in India and accommodating Canadian attendees.
Berridge envisions a future where teams play in the cities they represent, ultimately leading to home and away games. Currently, Brampton serves as the GT20’s temporary home, but Berridge foresees games being held in Surrey or Vancouver next as the league progresses.
Cricket Canada appreciates the economic boost and increased exposure brought by the GT20, foreseeing rapid growth in the sport through an international league. Ranjit Chaudhri, Cricket Canada director, sees this as an opportunity to showcase cricket talent, inspiring local cricketers and highlighting the need for additional infrastructure and facilities to support the sport’s growth.
In conclusion, the GT20 Canada tournament has generated excitement and garnered a dedicated fan base. With plans to expand and improve in the coming years, the league aims to establish itself as a prominent global cricket league, attracting players and viewers from around the world.
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