'I Often Get In Trouble': US State Dept Official Quips on USA Cricket Team's Suprise T20 Win Over Pakistan
Miller's comment came days after the USA cricket team stunned Pakistan and registered its first-ever victory at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
During a press briefing on Thursday, a US State Department official engaged in light-hearted banter with a reporter regarding the USA cricket team’s surprising victory over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller humorously declined to comment, citing his lack of expertise in the field. Cricket, a sport deemed a religion in South Asian countries like India and Pakistan, has no such history in the United States.
American football, basketball, baseball, and soccer are played and followed in the US. However, the USA cricket team still managed to create history on June 6 by defeating Pakistan for the first time in a thrilling match at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
‘I often get in trouble’
Despite a tense showdown that led to a Super Over after both teams scored 159 runs, the USA emerged victorious after Pakistan’s poor performance was riddled with dropped catches and misfielding.
When asked about the match during a press conference in Washington, Miller laughed while answering a question and said, “I often get in trouble when I start trying to comment beyond my limited area of expertise, and I would say Pakistan’s cricket team is certainly in that category.”
This surprise defeat of Pakistan comes as the US hosts a major ICC cricket tournament for the first time, with the West Indies as co-host. While cricket has a global following, it remains relatively unknown in the US. However, the ICC hopes the USA team’s success will attract more American fans to the sport.
Miller’s response adds a touch of humour to the chatter around the USA cricket team’s unexpected triumph. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the USA team as they strive to make further strides in the world of cricket and potentially secure more wins on the international stage.