Ep 007: Cricket in America with Special Guest Evan Sturrock

But what does gambling have to do with becoming more cultured and curious, Pete?

Not gambling, cricket. I'm going to tell you what cricket has to do with being more cultured and curious because we got to learn to appreciate varying perspectives and values. That's why. We have to want to care to learn about other countries, histories, and traditions.

We have to have at least a modicum of self awareness to know we aren't the only people on this planet that matter. Selfish Americans. Did you know in 1994, when America hosted the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, just 10 percent of Americans knew it was even happening? In their own country. And today, not only do Americans know about soccer, but 33 percent of Americans who follow the sport describe themselves as avid soccer fans. Avid.

But are they even fans? Because if they were, they'd call themselves football fans.

Did you just say food, football, football fans? Well, they say they're fans. My point is it caught on three decades after soccer's first big American out and cricket is on its way to the world's biggest stage in June, 2024 people.

The United States will jointly with the West Indies host the men's T20 cricket world cup, and around a third of the 55 matches will take place right here. In the United States, the American team as host automatically, automatically qualifies for the tournament. It's first ever top tier competition. And here's hoping it's a freaking coming out party for the Americans.

I mean, it's really the only reason why the U S would ever make it into a cricket tournament.