US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller indulged in banter with a reporter when he was asked about the USA cricket team shocking Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
During a press briefing, Miller was asked by a reporter to comment on the USA, an associate team, winning against Pakistan, a full-member team. In a cheeky response, the official said he would "get into trouble" if he spoke on matters that were not his area of expertise.
"I often get in trouble when I try to comment on things beyond my area of expertise, and I would say Pakistan's cricket team is certainly in that category," Miller said.
Miller's response underscores the fact that cricket, despite its global following, remains relatively niche in the US. Other sports like football, basketball or baseball are a rage in the country. However, with the US hosting a major cricket tournament for the first time, the ICC is hoping to gain more followers after the USA cricket team's historic showing so far.
On June 6, the USA cricket team stunned Pakistan and registered its first-ever victory at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The match went into a Super Over after both sides scored 159 runs.
In a game which had loads of twists and turns, it was the USA that emerged victorious over a hapless Pakistani side, who were guilty of dropping catches and misfielding at critical junctures.
This is the first time that the US is hosting a major ICC cricket tournament with the West Indies as its co-host.
India is leading the table in Group A, followed by the USA in second place with four points after two wins and one loss. The USA will clash against Ireland in their last fixture in Lauderhill on Friday and will aim to secure a Super 8 spot for the first time ever.
