Former US President Donald Trump has sent a message of support to the American cricket team competing in the ongoing T20 World Cup in India, saying the nation is backing the side.
“I just heard the Cricket World Cup is underway in India! I wish the best of luck to TEAM USA! We have a very strong team. America is rooting for you!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
Trump’s message drew a response from the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who thanked him for the support. “Thank you for the kind words, Mr. President!” Gor wrote in reply.
The goodwill message came a day after the United States suffered a 29-run defeat against defending champions India in their tournament opener at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Despite the loss, the associate nation put up a spirited performance and gave the favourites a serious scare.
India were in trouble early after being sent in to bat, collapsing to 77 for six due to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from the USA. Shadley van Schalkwyk led the attack with a mix of cutters and slower deliveries that dismantled India’s top order. India recovered only because of a captain’s knock from Suryakumar Yadav, who combined patience with a late assault to remain unbeaten on 84 and guide his team to 161 for nine.
In response, Mohammed Siraj’s fiery opening spell reduced the USA to 13 for three. Although there was some resistance in the middle order, the American side was eventually restricted to 132 for eight.
Cricket remains a developing sport in the United States, with the national team largely made up of players of subcontinent origin. Captained by Monank Patel, the side has shown steady improvement in recent years. USA Cricket has also made efforts to grow the game through Major League Cricket and other development tournaments.
The USA was one of the co-hosts of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosting several matches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, including the high-profile India vs Pakistan clash. The country is also set to host the 2028 Olympic Games, where cricket will make its return, although there are still some administrative issues within USA Cricket that need to be addressed before then.
