Destination USA....open for cricket business

Don Lockerbie, Chief Executive of USA Cricket Association has had a few hurdles to overcome during his impressive career, both in administration and in the 'real world'. A few years back he was an Olympic standard 800 metre runner and those of us of sane minds will immediately realise that that is the discipline of lunatics! Don won't mind me saying that, he will agree! There were no hurdles in those days as he ran flats but now potential obstacles are around every bend and he is still tackling them with gusto. In fact, right now after the historic International T20's on US soil on the weekend, he has just got his second wind.

I commentated on those two games between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Florida and bar the substandard pitch (which can easily be rectified), everything else was superb.

The challenge for cricket to succeed in America is enormous but definitely achievable in my view. An impressive base to work from already provides a significant head start.

Thanks largely to the massive expansion of the Information Technology sector in the US, and the subsequent relocation of experts predominantly from Asia, the active cricket numbers are impressive. There are 15 million avid cricket watchers dotted around this vast country and 200 000 of those actively participate in the sport on a regular recreational basis. 30 000 club cricketers are registered with the USA Cricket Association and there are 1 000 participating clubs who astonishingly enjoy 500 cricket grounds on which to play.

At the moment there is only one custom built cricket stadium in the country and that is in Lauderhill, Florida, but plans are moving fast to also build state of the art facilities in New York, Indianapolis, San Jose and Houston. New York has already bragged that they wish to become the centre of cricket in the US and should that happen it will be an enormous boon for the game and raise the profile substantially. Things happen in The Big Apple!

One of the great benefits of attracting international teams to play in the US is that due to seasonal changes there will always been perfect playable weather somewhere. USACA also firmly believes, and rightly so, that the players be treated superbly and will not only compete in the States but they will experience a trip second to none as they mix cricket with the unique delights that America has to offer. I asked Daniel Vettori at the final presentation if he had any advice for any other international teams who might be thinking about playing in America. He said, "Get in the queue behind New Zealand and Sri Lanka!"

Destination USA is the latest cricketing catch cry and Don Lockerbie has proudly proclaimed that the USA is open for cricket business.

However, for this ambitious plan to succeed the USA Cricket Association will need to become very professional and seek the guidance and assistance from experienced individuals who have been involved in cricket at the highest level and who are genuine in their commitment. There is much work to be done and I am also adamant that some financial assistance should be forthcoming from the ICC as the governing body to ensure this unique opportunity is capitalised upon. Cricket in the USA is a massively exciting proposition and must be afforded every opportunity of success.

The ex-pat ground swell they have is advantageous but an education of the game to Americans is of paramount importance.

T20 is the ideal vehicle, but only if it is driven expertly with serious intent.