By Abdul Qadir Mahesar
HYDERABAD: Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the US Embassy in Islamabad Natalie A Baker said cricket’s expanding global footprint — including its scheduled appearance at the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States — reflected how sport could serve as a bridge between nations, cultures and communities.
Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the envoy said the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Summer Olympics marked the beginning of a new chapter for a game long associated with England, Australia, and South Asia but now steadily gaining ground in North America. She said the moment underscored how American engagement and investment in sport, alongside shared passions, could open doors and create opportunities across borders.
Baker noted that cricket’s growth in the US had been driven not only by diaspora communities but also by a wider interest among young Americans eager to embrace new sporting traditions. From neighborhood grounds in Hyderabad to newly built stadiums across American cities, she said, the sport was evolving into a platform for cultural exchange as much as competition.
“Sports have the power to bring harmony and passion into society,” she said, adding that cricket in particular carried a unique ability to connect people through a shared language of teamwork and resilience. She pointed to collaborative efforts between US and South Asian organizations to promote youth programs and sporting exchanges, describing them as examples of diplomacy extending beyond formal meetings and policy frameworks.
Her remarks were received warmly by local players and officials, many of whom said the Olympic spotlight would inspire a new generation. For Hyderabad’s cricketing community, the ambassador’s message resonated with quiet pride — a reminder that the sport nurtured on local pitches now stood on the cusp of a broader global stage.
