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

By Army jaat

🎶 *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