Windies set to host India in a two-match T20I series in Florida

Following the conclusion of the biggest cricketing event the World Cup 2019 in England, the Windies team will host India possibly in a two-match T20I series at Lauderhill, in Florida. Both the teams had faced each other at the same venue during the two-match T20I series in 2016, where the hosts register a sensational victory in the first game, while the second game was abandoned due to heavy rain.

Thus, by the virtue of winning the first T20I match, Windies ended up winning the series 1-0. The upcoming series next year is also part of the long-term plans made by Cricket Windies (CW) to play at least two T20Is in the United States every year until 2022.

Board’s support to contest more matches in America

Recently during the series between hosts Windies and Bangladesh, the last two T20Is were also played in Florida and both the games ended up as thrilling encounters. The CW CEO Jonny Grave stated that they have prepared a proper plan to host more number of matches in the United States in the near future. He mentioned that they are also planning to spread the awareness of the game in Canada and some other parts of the country as well.

“There’s full board support as part of our strategic plan over the next five years to bring regular games into the Americas. So not always talking about USA, we’re talking about Canada and other parts to try to grow the sport. The whole ICC strategic plan is around growing the game and we’re huge advocates of Associate cricket,” said Grave as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Making the necessary discussions with the broadcasters

The last series played in Florida between Windies and India started late at night which made it difficult for the fans in India to adjust their schedule with the game. The CEO mentioned that the discussions with the broadcasters and the sponsors are going on to fix a perfect time schedule for the two T20I matches. He also mentioned that it is the passion of the game in India which never fails to support the home team at any point in time.

“That would be our aim. Clearly we have to discuss that with sponsors and broadcast partners, but realistically when you’re playing India in the Caribbean you have to play either very late at night or very early in the day. If you’re playing India, the passion of the India fans, they’ll turn up whether you play at 11am or 9pm at night,” he added.

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