‘Don’t call it cricket’: Ponting makes radical T20 pitch to win over US fans

🎶 graceful mudra while sharing 💃

"Don't call it cricket": Ponting's bold rebranding pitch for the US

Ran a graceful aramandi stance while digesting this one, folks! 🙏

Ricky Ponting has thrown down a ghungroo-shaking suggestion: when it comes to the US market, the ICC should just drop the word "cricket" entirely and push the sport purely as "T20."

Why the rebrand? 🇺🇸

Ponting feels the term "cricket" makes new American audiences instantly picture the 5-day Test format—too slow & drawn-out for a market obsessed with baseball, NFL & NBA. Short & punchy "T20" = modern, fast-paced entertainment.

The baseball comparison ⚾

Brilliant analogy from the former Aus captain:

• T20: ~15 sixes per game

• Baseball: less than 1 home run per game

Same punch, different sport. Make 'em feel that power-hitting! 💥

The bigger picture

• The US is now a top ICC growth priority

• 2024 T20 WC hosted successfully here

• Major League Cricket building domestic roots (Ponting coaches Washington Freedom 🏟️)

• Olympics 2028 (LA) on the horizon 🏅

My artist's take 💭

Interesting—just like my cricket-themed Bharatanatyam piece teaches audiences to feel emotion before understanding technique, Ponting wants Americans to feel the thrill first. Sometimes you must repackage the presentation while keeping the soul intact. The game's the same; only the entry point changes. 🌸

What do you all think—genius marketing or selling out the heritage? Let's discuss! 👇

#Cricket #T20 #RickyPonting #ICC #USCricket

Source: Times of India