US Ambassador Thanks ICC, Jay Shah Sees Bright Future For US Cricket

Mumbai, 22 June – United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor hailed the International Cricket Council and its chairman Jay Shah for “an incredible evening of Cricket” after witnessing India’s 29-run victory over the USA in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at a vibrant Wankhede Stadium on Saturday night.

Gor, attending his first World Cup fixture in India, used social media to signal a new era for the sport back home. “Thank you @ICC and @JayShah for an incredible evening of Cricket at the #T20WorldCup! I predict Cricket has a very bright future ahead in the United States, including at the upcoming Olympics,” he posted on X.

During the match the Ambassador met Shah and discussed the accelerating expansion of cricket across the United States, citing world-class infrastructure, emerging star talent and an increasingly passionate fan base as key growth drivers. “We discussed the exponential growth of cricket in the United States with our world-class infrastructure, star talent, and incredible fans,” Gor wrote in a follow-up message.

After the final ball the diplomat joined the American squad for a photograph alongside Shah, captioning the image: “Proud of our American Cricket team! An incredibly exciting game tonight in Mumbai.”

Away from the boundary rope Gor also held brief discussions with Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation founder-chairperson Nita Ambani, underscoring the cross-sector interest in cricket’s globalisation.

On the field India, asked to bat first, posted 161 for nine in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 84 off 49 deliveries, striking 10 fours and four sixes. Ishan Kishan contributed a brisk 20 and Tilak Varma added 25. USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk finished with four for 29, while Harmeet Singh claimed two for 26.

In reply the United States fought hard but were restricted to 132 for eight. Milind Kumar top-scored with 34, Sanjay Krishnamurthi hit 37 and Shubham Ranjane smashed 37 off 22 balls. India’s Mohammed Siraj led the bowling with three for 29, supported by Axar Patel (two for 24) and Arshdeep Singh (two for 18).

The result gives India their first points of the tournament and leaves the USA searching for a maiden victory, yet the night’s broader narrative centred on cricket’s widening footprint, with American officials now openly championing the game’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.