Cricket

America's National Cricket League Appoints Haroon Lorgat as Commissioner, Aiming to Popularize Cricket in the United StatesIn a significant move to elevate the profile of cricket in the United States, the National Cricket League (NCL) has appointed former International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Haroon Lorgat as its commissioner. Lorgat, a respected figure in the cricketing world, will lead the NCL's efforts to popularize the sport and establish a sustainable cricket ecosystem in the country.Lorgat, who served as ICC CEO from 2008 to 2012, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the NCL. During his tenure at the ICC, he oversaw three World Cups and played a pivotal role in implementing key developments such as the Decision Review System (DRS), expanding anti-corruption measures, and fostering the growth of cricket in associate countries."I'm honored to take on this role with the National Cricket League at such a transformative moment," said Lorgat. "Cricket has the power to inspire new players and connect fans across the US. We're bringing something fresh, and with our focus on sustainability and global access, we are laying the groundwork to reshape American sports for future generations."Under Lorgat's leadership, the NCL will host its inaugural Sixty Strikes Tournament, a new 60-ball cricket format approved by the ICC. The tournament, scheduled to take place from October 4 to 14 at the University of Dallas, marks the first national sports league partnership with a university. The NCL anticipates a daily audience of around 4,000 attendees."We have established the National Cricket League as a premier force in the global cricket arena," said NCL chairman Arun Agarwal. "With the prestigious ICC endorsement, Haroon Lorgat's visionary leadership, and our strategic partnership with SEE Holdings championing sustainability, we are already reshaping the future of cricket in America and setting a new global standard for the sport."The NCL has also announced a partnership with SEE Holdings, a Dubai-based leader in sustainability and innovation. The league will feature top-tier players from around the world, including Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shakib Al Hasan, Robin Uthappa, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Lynn, Angelo Mathews, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, and Mohammad Nabi. Cricket veterans like Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Venkatesh Prasad, Sanath Jayasuriya, Moin Khan, and Blair Franklin will also be involved as mentors and coaches.The NCL's mission to popularize cricket in the United States aligns with the growing interest in the sport among American audiences. The U.S. is home to a diverse population with a significant number of cricket enthusiasts from various backgrounds. The NCL aims to tap into this potential and create a vibrant cricket culture in the country.

Saurabh Netravalkar, a former India U-19 cricketer, has carved a unique path for himself by balancing a successful career in computer science with his passion for cricket. After moving to the United States for higher education, Netravalkar pursued a degree in computer science while continuing to excel in cricket.His exceptional cricketing skills eventually led him to become the captain of the United States national cricket team. Under his leadership, the team has made significant strides on the international stage. Netravalkar's crowning achievement came in the recent T20 World Cup, where he orchestrated a stunning victory over former champions Pakistan.Despite his demanding profession as a Senior Software Engineer at Oracle, Netravalkar remains deeply committed to cricket. In a recent interview, he shared his insights on how he manages to balance his dual passions."It's all about love and passion," Netravalkar explained. "I'm passionate about both tech and cricket, so it doesn't feel like work. I just have to find the time and compartmentalize."Netravalkar believes that his experiences in both fields complement each other. "From tech to cricket, data analytics is becoming increasingly important in strategy," he said. "Knowing how analysis works helps me identify patterns that can make a difference in close games."Conversely, cricket has taught him valuable lessons in resilience and perseverance. "I've learned how to handle failure and bounce back," he said. "That same mindset applies to my work in tech."As a left-arm medium-fast bowler, Netravalkar's ability to swing the ball and maintain a disciplined line and length has made him a formidable asset for the US cricket team. His career trajectory is a testament to his academic excellence and international cricketing achievements.

Pakistan's cricket team has endured a tumultuous period, marked by disappointing performances in major tournaments and a recent Test defeat against Bangladesh. The team's struggles have prompted widespread criticism, with former fast bowler Mohammad Asif issuing a stark warning.Asif predicts that Pakistan will face another humiliating defeat against the United States in the 2026 T20 World Cup if they fail to address their shortcomings. "We lost to the USA, who were playing in the T20 World Cup for the first time," Asif said. "The way the situation is going at this moment, the USA will beat Pakistan in the next World Cup, in 2026. I'll guarantee you that."Asif believes that Pakistan needs a complete overhaul, including changes to the captaincy, coaching staff, and player roster. He emphasizes the need for long-term planning and investment in a specific squad. "Before the 2026 World Cup, we have to change the captain, coach, and the players," Asif said. "There needs to be planning for the two years that this is the team, this is the 20 players we want to work with."Asif's comments highlight the growing frustration among Pakistani fans and experts. The team's recent performances have fallen short of expectations, and there is a sense that drastic measures are needed to turn things around. Asif's prediction serves as a wake-up call for the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team itself, urging them to take immediate action to avoid further embarrassment on the international stage.

Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting believes this opportunity will significantly expand the sport's reach and popularity.Ponting, a three-time ODI World Cup winner, recently coached the Washington Freedom to this year's Major League Cricket title, giving him valuable insight into how cricket is perceived in the USA. He emphasized that the Olympic Games provide a unique platform to expose cricket to a vast new audience."The Olympic Games being viewed by so many people all around the world, it just opens up completely different audiences to our game that's seemingly growing on a daily basis anyway," said Ponting.Ponting also pointed out the potential for cricket to tap into baseball's fanbase in the USA. "The way that I sort of try and compare the two is we've all been to games of Major League Baseball. Huge events, the bat and ball game that Americans are growing up with and that game goes for four hours and through the history of the game, there's less than one home run scored in every game," he said."So when you compare baseball to what the excitement and entertainment package that T20 cricket brings, then it should be a reasonably easy sell to the young kids in the US."Ponting expressed his excitement about the possibility of serving as either a mentor or coach for the Australian team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "It'd be a pretty nice job, I reckon, to be a mentor around a cricket team in the Olympic Games, to hang out," he said.The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is a testament to the sport's growing global appeal. It provides an opportunity for cricket to reach new heights and inspire future generations of players.

Aaron Jones, the standout performer for USA at the T20 World Cup 2024, has secured a contract in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Barbadian-born Jones, who qualifies as a local player, was snapped up by the St Lucia Kings in Monday's draft for the 2024 season, which runs from August 29 to October 4.Jones' impressive performances at the World Cup, including a match-winning 94 not out against Canada and a crucial 36 not out in USA's tie against Pakistan, caught the attention of CPL franchises. He has previously represented Barbados and Combined Campuses and Colleges in the West Indies regional setup and was an unused member of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots squad in CPL 2019.The six CPL 2024 franchises had already completed most of their recruitment through retentions and pre-signings. Kyle Mayers was the first player to be signed in Monday's draft, joining the Patriots. Mikyle Louis, who made his Test debut for West Indies at Lord's last week, will also play for Patriots, along with Ryan John and Veerasammy Permaul.Isai Thorne, the fast bowler who has represented West Indies at the last two Under-19 World Cups, has earned a contract with Barbados Royals. He is currently in the UK with West Indies' Test squad as a net bowler and "development player." Royals have also drafted Kadeem Alleyne and Nathan Sealy.Raymon Reifer, who played T20I cricket for West Indies as recently as last year, joined Guyana Amazon Warriors along with Ronaldo Alimohamed and Matthew Nandu. Khari Campbell, Johann Jeremiah, Mikkel Govia, and Akeem Auguste are part of the Kings' squad alongside Jones.Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, who will replace Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2024, have signed Roshon Primus, Justin Greaves, Jahmar Hamilton, Teddy Bishop, and Kofi James. Trinbago Knight Riders have brought in Nathan Edward and Shaquere Parris to fill their emerging player spots.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to conduct an audit of the recently concluded T20 World Cup at its upcoming board meeting in Colombo. Concerns have been raised by board members regarding the organization of the tournament in the United States and West Indies.Amidst these concerns, ICC's head of events, Chris Tetley, has resigned. Sources indicate that member boards have expressed concerns over excessive expenses incurred during the tournament's USA leg. Questions have also been raised about the selection of New York as the central venue for marquee matches, given the construction of a temporary stadium."The audit is ongoing. There are assumptions that the ICC may have incurred losses in ticketing during the USA leg. The tournament appeared mismanaged, and the performance of the New York stadium fell short of expectations," an ICC source stated.The board will examine whether the organizing committee exceeded its allocated budget. While acknowledging the challenges of introducing cricket to the US market, the source emphasized the need to scrutinize expenses.Regarding Tetley's resignation, sources suggest that he had been discussing the matter with ICC officials for a year. With a series of ICC events, including the ODI World Cup last year, Tetley and another executive were requested to remain on board to ensure a smooth transition. They may be asked to continue until the Women's T20 World Cup in October or the Champions Trophy in February.

England's dominance in the 2024 T20 World Cup continued as they secured a place in the semifinals with a resounding 10-wicket victory over the United States in Barbados. The reigning champions showcased their prowess with a superb bowling performance led by Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan, followed by a Jos Buttler batting masterclass.Rashid's economical spell of 4-0-13-2 stifled the USA batters, while Jordan's sensational hat-trick in the 19th over sealed their fate. Jordan became the first Englishman to achieve this feat in the T20 World Cup, dismissing Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Nosthush Kenjige, and Saurabh Netravalkar in quick succession.Buttler then took center stage, smashing an unbeaten 83 off just 38 balls, including seven sixes and six fours. His blistering knock featured a remarkable five sixes in one over off Harmeet Singh, leaving the USA bowling attack helpless. England raced to 117 for 0 in 9.4 overs, securing their place in the last four.Earlier, the USA had struggled to build partnerships, losing five wickets in six balls without adding any runs. Sam Curran's crucial wicket of Harmeet Singh in the final ball of the previous over triggered the collapse.Despite early nerves, Nitish Kumar provided some resistance for the USA, hitting two sixes. However, Rashid's tight bowling and googly deliveries proved too much for the American batters.England's victory marks their first in the Super Eights stage and guarantees their progression to the semifinals. They join New Zealand as the first two teams to secure a place in the last four.

In a thrilling display of fast bowling prowess, England's Chris Jordan etched his name into the annals of T20 World Cup history by claiming a remarkable hat-trick against the USA in their Super Eights clash at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.Jordan, who hails from Barbados and is familiar with the conditions, showcased his skill and experience by taking four wickets in just five balls, including an elusive hat-trick. The Barbados-born bowler's incredible feat not only highlighted his capabilities but also marked the third hat-trick of the tournament, placing him in elite company with Australia's Pat Cummins, who had achieved the milestone twice.England opted to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid dividends. Reece Topley set the tone by removing Gous in the very first over. Despite a promising start by the USA, who scored 48/2 during the powerplay, Rashid's cunning googlies and Livingstone's wily spin reduced the scoring rate, setting the stage for Jordan's spectacular spell.At the start of the 19th over, the USA innings, which looked modest at 115/6, dramatically unraveled due to Jordan's devastating burst. His first scalp was Corey Anderson, caught brilliantly by Harry Brook, initiating the collapse. What followed was a display of clinical fast bowling: Ali Khan was clean-bowled by a searing delivery, followed by Nosthush Kenjige trapped lbw by a pinpoint yorker. The crowning moment came when Jordan shattered Saurabh Netravalkar's stumps to complete his hat-trick, reducing the USA from 115/6 to 115 all out.Jordan's hat-trick ball was a thing of beauty – a 141kph delivery that beat Netravalkar's attempted drive and crashed into the stumps, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates. This spell not only etched Jordan's name in the record books but also made him the first England bowler to achieve a hat-trick in T20 Internationals.His remarkable over joins the pages of T20 World Cup history, echoing similar feats by Curtis Campher, who also took four wickets in an over in 2021.

USA vs ENG Live Score: England's Fate Hangs in the BalanceThe T20 World Cup Group 2 Super 8 clash between defending champions England and newcomers USA has taken on added significance following West Indies' emphatic nine-wicket victory over the USA.England, who have a win and a loss in the group, must now secure a comprehensive victory over the USA to boost their net run rate. A win by 10 runs or with at least an over to spare would keep them in contention for a semifinal berth.South Africa currently lead Group 2 with two wins, while West Indies have a better net run rate than England. If South Africa lose to West Indies in their final match, even in a Super Over, England could qualify if they defeat the USA as per the required margin.However, a loss for England against the USA would result in a three-way tie between West Indies, England, and the USA for the second spot. In such a scenario, the team with the best run rate would advance to the knockout stage.England's batting lineup, which failed to produce the big hits in their narrow seven-run loss to South Africa, will need to step up against a USA team that has shown resilience despite their recent defeat.The match between England and the USA is crucial for both teams. England's hopes of reaching the semifinals rest on a convincing victory, while the USA will be determined to end their tournament on a high note.