Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has defended the controversial US leg of the T20 World Cup 2024, stating that playing at early hours and facing challenging facilities were necessary compromises to expand cricket's global reach. He expressed that the 10:30 AM local start times were acceptable, considering the substantial effort required to host the event in cities like New York, Florida, and Texas. Dravid emphasized that embracing such challenges is crucial for the sport's growth, especially with cricket's inclusion in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He noted that the early start times helped level the playing field for both teams, despite criticisms that local American audiences were overlooked. This event marks a significant attempt to develop cricket's fan base in the USA. Dravid's remarks come amid discussions on the future of cricket in the region, particularly leading up to the Olympics.