Victor Mather The New York Times

Fans in US say that more any other cricketer, they came to see Sachin Tendulkar from close quarters at the All-Stars Cricket Series

Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne are two of the world's best cricket players, which means little to the bulk of Americans. But to those with roots in India, Australia or other cricket-loving lands, spotting them on the street is like a serendipitous encounter with Michael Jordan, Pope Francis and Taylor Swift.

As the World Cup in Canada gives women's soccer its time in the spotlight, fans, coaches, the news media and the players themselves are closely watching the stars of the women's game. And then likening them to men.

As ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 gets underway, billions of fans begin cheering their favourite team. For the uninitiated and possibly clueless others, here's a quick guide to cricketing terms.

Brazil and Netherlands will clash on Saturday to decide who finishes third in the FIFA World Cup 2014.

Fans in US say that more any other cricketer, they came to see Sachin Tendulkar from close quarters at the All-Stars Cricket Series

Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne are two of the world's best cricket players, which means little to the bulk of Americans. But to those with roots in India, Australia or other cricket-loving lands, spotting them on the street is like a serendipitous encounter with Michael Jordan, Pope Francis and Taylor Swift.

As the World Cup in Canada gives women's soccer its time in the spotlight, fans, coaches, the news media and the players themselves are closely watching the stars of the women's game. And then likening them to men.

As ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 gets underway, billions of fans begin cheering their favourite team. For the uninitiated and possibly clueless others, here's a quick guide to cricketing terms.

Brazil and Netherlands will clash on Saturday to decide who finishes third in the FIFA World Cup 2014.