We’ve Got Cricket Fever and the Only Prescription Is More Cricket

The New York area is finally home to one of the biggest world cup events in the world, and no, we’re not talking about the soccer World Cup finals coming to MetLife Stadium in 2026. We’re talking about the World Cup of cricket, the vaguely baseball-like sport that is often confusing to Americans but is the second most popular sport across the world, after soccer. It’s particularly celebrated in Southeast Asia, and this year, Americans will learn why firsthand.

For the first time in history, the United States is hosting a major cricket competition, and it’s all taking place right outside the city in East Meadow in Nassau County. The International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup has already been a massive draw, with Sunday’s match between rivals India and Pakistan selling out the stadium, drawing the largest attendance at an international cricket match ever in this country. 

If you can’t make it to the stadium in Long Island but still want to catch a case of the cricket crazies, you’re in luck: a series of viewing parties will be held at the North Oculus Plaza (Fulton Street between Church and Greenwich streets) through the end of the month. Join superfans of the sport to cheer on the teams, and learn a little something about how to play the game if you’re unfamiliar with it. Watch parties continue on June 11 starting at 10:30 a.m., when Pakistan takes on Canada, at 7:30 p.m. it’s Sri Landa vs. Nepal, then the party continues for Australia vs. Namibia at 8:30 p.m. Fans can cheer on Team U.S.A. as they take on India at 10:30 a.m. on June 12. It all wraps up with a big viewing party for the finals on June 29 at 10:30 a.m. 

The plaza will have other events through the tournament, with food and drink from the nearby Oculus Beer Garden, face-painting, sign-making, cricket simulators, World Cup trophy displays, appearance by players and mascots and special lightings of the Oculus during the night games. 

It’s a good way to warm up for a summer of international competition: the Summer Olympics in Paris kick off July 26, and we’ll keep you posted on viewing parties around Lower Manhattan for that, too.

photo: iStock