Cricket

The United States is poised to make history as it co-hosts the Men's T20 World Cup for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country's growing embrace of cricket. The tournament, which kicks off with the USA facing Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium, presents a golden opportunity for the sport to penetrate the lucrative American market.The USA's hosting of the World Cup is the culmination of years of efforts to popularize cricket in a nation where traditional sports like basketball, baseball, and football dominate. The launch of Major League Cricket (MLC) last year and the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are further testaments to the sport's growing appeal.Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, there are concerns about the lack of buzz in the country. While advertisements for the World Cup are visible in New York's Times Square and the Rockefeller Centre Building, there is little buzz outside of these areas. The opening game between the USA and Canada has not sold out, and tickets for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on June 9 are still available.Prasanna Balakrishnan, an ardent cricket fan and software developer in Dallas, believes that the tournament could have been marketed more effectively. "I don't think there is enough buzz for the World Cup here as compared to India," he said. "I feel they could have done a lot more in terms of build-up."USA Cricket's recent announcement of a 25% discount on tickets for the co-hosts' home matches further hints at a lack of enthusiasm. Balakrishnan believes that this move could damage the tournament's image. "When tickets don't actually get sold out, then you open them later at a lower price, which doesn't provide a good image," he said.Despite the challenges, the tournament remains a crucial opportunity for cricket to gain a foothold in the USA. The presence of non-cricket following locals at MLC games last year suggests that there is curiosity about the sport. However, more needs to be done to generate excitement and captivate the interest of the wider American population.

Cricket is embarking on a mission to captivate American hearts and wallets as the T20 World Cup kicks off on June 1 in Dallas. The tournament, co-hosted by the West Indies, brings the best of the sport to a less familiar territory.The United States will face Canada in the opening match, while a temporary stadium in Nassau County, New York, will host its first of eight fixtures on June 3. Lauderhill, Florida, will also host four matches.The T20 World Cup is a strategic priority for the International Cricket Council (ICC), which aims to raise the profile of the sport in the lucrative North American market. "This is the start of a journey," said ICC CEO Geoff Allardice. "The awareness that we're bringing in more elite cricket to the USA is something that's been a strategic priority for us."The journey began with Major League Cricket, which launched in the United States last year, and culminates with the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where cricket will return to the Olympic program for the first time since 1900."In the lead up to the Los Angeles Olympics, I think we'll be continuing to try and raise the profile of cricket, not just for the established cricket fans in the USA but for new fans," said Allardice.The tournament, which counts Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt as an ambassador, is a dream come true for U.S. immigrants, who comprise much of the sport's U.S. fan base. "I mean, (India have) got some of the biggest names in world sport as part of their team," said Allardice. "And to be able to get close to them and see them in action, I think it's an opportunity that's something that comes along (not) very often for cricket fans in the USA."The ICC T20 World Cup runs from June 1-29.

Major League Cricket (MLC), the burgeoning T20 tournament in the United States, has achieved a significant milestone by securing List A status from the International Cricket Council (ICC). This recognition elevates MLC to the ranks of official T20 leagues, ensuring that tournament records will now be counted as official statistics.The acquisition of List A status is a testament to the growing stature and quality of MLC. Tournament director Justin Geale expressed his excitement, stating that it acknowledges the high caliber of players participating in the league. This recognition will enhance the credibility of cricket in the USA on a global scale and ensure that the performances of world-class players are accurately reflected in their career statistics.MLC's expansion plans are also underway, with the league aiming to increase its number of teams from six to ten over the next two years. The number of games will also increase from 19 in 2023 to 34 by 2025. The league's chief executive, Vijay Srinivasan, believes that the United States has the potential to support a 10-team league.The 2024 edition of MLC will commence on July 5, a week after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup. The league's schedule will avoid a direct clash with the Hundred, but there will be a six-day overlap between the two leagues. This overlap could potentially impact the availability of overseas players in the Hundred.Four of the six teams in MLC are owned by IPL team owners, including Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals. The first season of MLC was a success, with MI New York emerging as champions under the leadership of Nicholas Pooran. The second season will be played at the same two grounds as the first season, the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and the Church Street Park Stadium in Morrisville.

Cricket, once a popular pastime in the United States, is experiencing a resurgence through its shortest format, Twenty20 (T20). The upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S. and the Caribbean, is a testament to the growing interest in the sport.In the mid-19th century, cricket flourished in New York and Philadelphia, brought over by immigrants. The first international cricket match was played in New York in 1844, and touring teams from England crossed the Atlantic to compete. However, the Civil War led to the decline of cricket, with baseball becoming the dominant bat-and-ball game in the States.Despite its waning popularity, cricket has maintained a presence in the U.S. through its shorter formats. Major League Cricket, a T20 competition, was launched in 2021, and the T20 World Cup is being staged in the country in 2024.The International Cricket Council (ICC) is committed to expanding cricket in the U.S., where there are an estimated 30 million fans. The sport's return to the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games is another sign of its growing popularity.Historical evidence suggests that cricket was played in the U.S. as early as 1709. Benjamin Franklin brought the official cricket rule book to the country in 1754, and there are anecdotal accounts of George Washington's troops playing "wicket" in 1778.While baseball and cricket share some similarities, such as language and the use of overarm throwing, they have evolved differently. Baseball has become a faster-paced game, while cricket has embraced longer formats like five-day tests. However, the introduction of T20 has brought cricket closer to baseball's style of play, with its emphasis on power hitting and quick scoring.The T20 World Cup in the U.S. is expected to attract a large audience and showcase the excitement and skill of the sport. It is an opportunity for cricket to further establish itself in the American consciousness and inspire a new generation of fans.

Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi all-rounder, has joined the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket (MLC). This marks a significant move for both Shakib and the LAKR franchise, which is owned by the Knight Riders Group, the same group that owns the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Shakib has a long-standing association with the Knight Riders family, having played for KKR in multiple seasons, including their championship-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014. His addition to the LAKR squad is expected to bolster their lineup and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming MLC season.The LAKR franchise, which finished last in the inaugural season of the MLC in 2023, has retained several key players from that squad, including Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jason Roy, and Spencer Johnson. They have also drafted in local players Derone Davis, Matthew Tromp, Cirne Dry, and Adithya Ganesh to strengthen their roster.The MLC player draft was held on March 21, 2023, and an additional draft will be held on June 16 for the six teams to complete their squads. The second edition of the tournament will commence on July 5 with a fixture between MI New York and Seattle Orcas, the winners and runners-up of the inaugural edition, respectively. The final is scheduled for July 29.Shakib's signing by LAKR is a testament to his exceptional talent and global recognition. His all-round abilities, including his aggressive batting and skillful bowling, make him a valuable asset to any team. The LAKR franchise will be hoping that Shakib can replicate his success with KKR and help them achieve their goals in the upcoming MLC season.

Glenn Maxwell, the explosive Australian all-rounder, has joined Travis Head and Steve Smith in signing with Washington Freedom for the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Maxwell's decision to join MLC comes after he requested to be omitted from Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) lineup in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Maxwell's signing with Washington Freedom marks the latest addition of Australian talent to MLC. He will join his national teammates Head and Smith, as well as former IPL coach Ricky Ponting, at the Washington-based franchise. Maxwell expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play in the United States, stating that he has been eager to participate in the tournament since its inception.The Australian all-rounder cited the presence of familiar faces like Head, Smith, and Ponting as a key factor in his decision to join Washington Freedom. He believes that their familiarity will help him settle in quickly and contribute to the team's success.Maxwell's decision to request omission from RCB's lineup was not motivated by a need for a mental break, as some had speculated. Instead, he explained that he felt he was not performing at his best and wanted to avoid putting pressure on the team's captain and coach."I was pretty low on confidence," Maxwell said. "I had a good couple of net sessions and just went out to the ground and felt really tentative. I wasn't able to really commit to my game plans and just felt like if I had kept playing and playing that role, I don't think the results would change too much."Maxwell's self-assessment led him to believe that he was not contributing enough to the team and that it was in the best interests of RCB to give another player a chance. He emphasized that he is not taking an extended break from cricket but rather is focused on improving his form and regaining his place in the team.Maxwell's absence from RCB's lineup is likely to continue for the next game against Kolkata Knight Riders, as he is currently nursing a minor hip injury. He understands that he needs to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to return to the team."I've actually got a little bit of a hip strain so I've got a few more days off and during recovery," Maxwell said. "So I've got a little period here where I'm still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I'll obviously put my hand up and take it."

Travis Head, the dynamic Australian batter, has opted to extend his playing season by joining Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC) alongside fellow countryman Steven Smith. Head's decision comes despite the grueling schedule he has endured in recent months, including the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL).Head's decision to continue playing reflects his unwavering commitment to the sport and his desire to maintain his form. Despite experiencing fatigue at the end of the Australian summer, he has chosen to embrace the challenge of a new league and a new environment.Washington Freedom, under the guidance of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, has assembled an impressive roster for the upcoming MLC season. Head and Smith will join New Zealand allrounder Rachin Ravindra, South African paceman Marco Jansen, and Trinidadian spinner Akeal Hosein.Head's signing adds further depth to the Australian contingent in MLC, which already includes Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, and Tim David. The tournament, which kicks off immediately after the T20 World Cup, promises to showcase some of the world's best cricketers.Head's decision to join MLC is a testament to the growing popularity of the league and its ability to attract top-tier talent. The tournament provides an opportunity for players to extend their playing season and gain valuable experience in a different cricketing environment.

Willow, the leading cricket broadcaster in North America, has joined forces with Cricbuzz, the world's largest cricket website and app, to create 'Willow by Cricbuzz.' This groundbreaking partnership establishes a comprehensive destination for cricket enthusiasts in the United States and Canada.'Willow by Cricbuzz' seamlessly integrates live streaming into Cricbuzz's renowned platform, offering a comprehensive cricket experience. Users can now enjoy live matches alongside Cricbuzz's expert commentary, news, and analysis. This integration marks a significant milestone for American cricket, coinciding with the launch of Major League Cricket and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup Championship in the United States.The partnership between Willow and Cricbuzz is a testament to Times Internet's dominance in the global cricket landscape. As the digital arm of The Times of India Group, Times Internet holds a leading position in both India and North America.Todd Myers, COO of Willow, hailed the launch as a fusion of two industry leaders. He emphasized that the collaboration transcends a mere merger, representing an evolution in cricket broadcasting. Pankaj Chhaparwal, CEO of Cricbuzz, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the harmonious blend of cricket heritage and cutting-edge analysis.'Willow by Cricbuzz' is available to customers through the Cricbuzz app and website. New users can sign up at cricbuzz.com/willow or download the Cricbuzz app. Existing Willow subscribers can continue to watch live cricket on Willow's digital platforms and on 'Willow by Cricbuzz.'The launch of 'Willow by Cricbuzz' coincides with the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world's premier T20 cricket tournament. Cricket fans in North America can now enjoy the IPL and other major cricket events exclusively on 'Willow by Cricbuzz.'

Major League Cricket (MLC) has secured Cognizant as its inaugural title sponsor, marking a pivotal moment for professional cricket in the United States. This multi-year partnership aims to accelerate the growth of the sport in America, fostering a new era for the world's second-largest sport.Vijay Srinivasan, co-founder of MLC, hailed the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Cognizant as our title sponsor, starting with season two of MLC this summer." He emphasized the partnership's role in propelling the league's growth and the sport's popularity in the United States.Cognizant's Chief Executive Officer, Ravi Kumar S, expressed the company's enthusiasm for supporting MLC's vision. "We are excited to inspire the next generation of cricket players," he said. The partnership extends beyond sponsorship, encompassing outreach and education initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in sports and technology.Cognizant's sponsorship portfolio includes partnerships with PGA, LPGA, Aston Martin Formula 1 (AMF1) team, SailGP, and the English Football Association. This move aligns with the company's commitment to showcasing the intersection of sports and technology while promoting diversity and inclusion.MLC's second season, commencing on July 4, promises an exhilarating display of talent. Renowned cricketers from Afghanistan, South Africa, Pakistan, and the West Indies will grace the field, including Rashid Khan, Faf du Plessis, Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock, Haris Rauf, and Sunil Narine.The success of MLC's inaugural season, characterized by sold-out matches and a surge in fan engagement, has set the stage for further expansion. Matches for the 2024 season will be held at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, with additional venues to be announced soon.The partnership between MLC and Cognizant marks a significant milestone in the journey to establish cricket as a prominent sport in the United States. It promises growth, excitement, and opportunities for players and fans alike, solidifying the sport's future in the American sporting landscape.