Former US President Donald Trump has surprised cricket fans by offering a public show of support to the USA cricket team during the ongoing T20 World Cup in India, saying that “America is rooting for you.” The message, shared through a brief statement and amplified across social media, has drawn attention to the growing profile of cricket in the United States and its expanding global ambitions.
Trump’s remark came as the USA team featured in one of its most high-profile international tournaments to date, competing on Indian soil, the spiritual home of cricket. While cricket has traditionally remained a niche sport in the US, recent years have seen rapid growth, driven by a large South Asian diaspora, increased grassroots investment, and the launch of professional leagues.
The former president’s shout-out was interpreted by observers as both symbolic and strategic. Supporters say it reflects rising American interest in global sports beyond baseball and American football, while critics argue it was another example of Trump using a major international event to stay in the public spotlight.
“America rooting for you” quickly became a talking point online, with fans reacting humorously and enthusiastically. Indian cricket followers expressed curiosity over Trump’s sudden cricket cameo, while American fans welcomed the visibility for a team still fighting for mainstream recognition back home.
USA Cricket officials did not formally respond to the statement, but insiders said any high-profile endorsement helps draw attention to the sport’s development in the country. The USA team’s presence in the T20 World Cup itself marks a milestone, underlining how associate nations are increasingly competitive and visible on the world stage.
Cricket analysts note that the US team’s participation in the tournament is part of a broader push by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to globalise the game. Hosting matches in India while featuring emerging teams like the USA exposes them to massive audiences and elite competition, accelerating growth and experience.
Trump’s involvement, however brief, also highlights cricket’s unique ability to intersect with politics, culture, and diplomacy. While the former president did not comment on specific matches or players, his message was widely seen as an attempt to tap into the enthusiasm of Indian-American voters and sports fans alike.
For the USA players, the attention political or otherwise adds to the pressure and excitement of performing on one of cricket’s biggest stages. Team members have spoken in the past about the challenges of limited resources and exposure compared to traditional cricketing nations, making moments of global recognition especially meaningful.
As the T20 World Cup progresses, the USA team continues to chase competitive results and credibility. Trump’s unexpected endorsement may not influence outcomes on the field, but it has undeniably added a curious and headline-grabbing twist to the tournament’s narrative one that underscores how cricket’s global reach is expanding in surprising ways.
