USA Cricket’s announcement of its 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup has created a buzz on social media, primarily due to the all-Indian-American lineup. The squad, which will represent the United States in Malaysia, features players of Indian-American descent, including both starters and reserves. The team will be captained by Anika Kolan, with Aditiba Chudasama as vice-captain. Both have previously represented the USA in the inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.
The squad’s composition has sparked widespread reactions, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users humorously pointed out the dominance of Indian-origin players. One post featuring the squad list went viral, drawing over 62,000 views and generating a flood of playful comments. Users joked about the lineup’s resemblance to India’s national team, with one comment quipping, “India squad,” and another adding, “USA = United State of Akhand Bharat.”
The dominance of Indian-American players led to more light-hearted banter, with references to the H-1B work visa, which many associate with Indian professionals in the United States. Some joked, “Indians took their job in the tech sector, now in sports also,” while others referred to the squad as “India B team.”
This is not the first time Indian-origin cricketers have grabbed attention in USA Cricket. Earlier this year, Saurabh Netravalkar, an Oracle employee turned cricketer, made headlines with his impressive performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, further highlighting the growing influence of Indian-American players in the sport.
The selection of an all-Indian-American squad for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup reflects the increasing diversity in global cricket, showcasing the sport’s expanding appeal across different cultures.
