![Donald Trump and Narendra Modi [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770619913473_DonaldTrumpandNarendraModi.jpg?type=hq)
Donald Trump and Narendra Modi [Source: X]
The T20 World Cup 2026 cricket fever has taken over the world, and the President of the United States of America has also joined hands to soak in the hype. With the nation participating in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Donald Trump has sent a special message to the USA.
Notably, the USA played their inaugural clash against India already on February 7 and will be heading for their next game against Pakistan in Group A. Though defeated, the words from their President, Donald Trump is sure to inject some nerves ahead of the all-important match.
Donald Trump and his relation with cricket
While there has been recent diplomatic tension between India and the United States due to a major trade and diplomatic crisis in 2025 and its sudden de-escalation in 2026, it appears that the American President has been closely observing the game and openly showing strong support for the national cricket team.
Although Donald Trump is not widely known as a dedicated cricket fan, he shares a connection with the Indian cricket fraternity, having inaugurated the Sardar Patel Stadium, now known as the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad in February 2020.
Trump shows strong support for USA in T20 World Cup 2026
Donald Trump is better known for his interest in golf and American football. However, ahead of the USA’s campaign in the mega ICC T20 World Cup 2026 event, Trump expressed his faith and support for his nation, stating that he is rooting for his team and that the whole of America is backing a cricket side he described as very strong.
“I just heard the Cricket World Cup is underway in India! I wish the best of luck to TEAM USA! We have a very strong team. America is rooting for you!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday, drawing attention to a sport that is still growing in popularity in the United States.
The US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor responded to the message, writing, “Thank you for the kind words Mr. President!”
The exponential growth of cricket in the USA
Interestingly, the growth and rise of cricket in the USA has transitioned from being a casual sport among immigrant communities to a professional setup that now features leagues such as Major League Cricket.
With the launch of Major League Cricket in July 2023, it became the USA’s first world-class professional T20 league. Notably, more than $150 million has been invested by American cricket enterprises since 2019 to improve infrastructure.
However, the major catalyst for the sport’s rapid growth in the country came when the USA co-hosted the T20 World Cup 2024 alongside the West Indies.
With a diverse pool of talent and continued investment in new stadiums, the cricketing landscape in the USA is expanding, and the president has openly shown his support for the national team.
USA’s loss against India came after a tough fight
Notably, the USA’s opening clash against India ended in defeat, although the visitors put up a strong fight. After winning the toss, USA captain Monank Patel chose to bowl first, and India stumbled early.
Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck, while the rest of the top order also failed to make significant contributions. It was skipper Suryakumar Yadav who steadied the innings with a 49-ball 84 to lift India to a competitive total of 161.
In reply, the USA also lost early wickets, with only Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Shubham Ranjane making solid contributions to keep the contest alive.
However, they eventually fell short by 29 runs. Mohammad Siraj emerged as the leading wicket-taker with three scalps, while Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets each.
