The Rise of Cricket in the United States: A New Market
- Rahmani Khoshnaw
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff
K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports.
Cricket’s Expansion into American Sports Culture
Historically, cricket has been overshadowed in the U.S. by sports like baseball, basketball, and American football. However, in recent years, the demand for cricket has grown, fueled by immigrant communities, increased media coverage, and major investments in leagues.
According to Statista, the U.S. cricket market has seen double-digit growth in viewership, with Major League Cricket (MLC) emerging as a key player in professional cricket expansion.
Major League Cricket (MLC) and the Growth of Domestic Leagues
Cricket’s revival in the U.S. has been significantly shaped by Major League Cricket (MLC), which launched in 2023 with backing from American investors and global cricket stakeholders.
• MLC franchises, such as Los Angeles Knight Riders and Texas Super Kings, have attracted international stars, further boosting local enthusiasm.
• The league’s multi-million-dollar investment aims to build world-class cricket stadiums, ensuring long-term sustainability.
A statement from MLC CEO Sameer Mehta highlights their vision: "Our goal is to establish cricket as a mainstream sport in the U.S., creating a pathway for American players to compete globally."
The Influence of International Events
The U.S. has hosted high-profile cricket events, including matches featuring India, Pakistan, England, and Australia, generating record-breaking attendance figures.
Additionally, the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., has driven massive interest, with organizers projecting over 1 million new cricket fans in North America.
Grassroots Cricket and College Expansion
Beyond professional leagues, efforts to grow grassroots cricket have intensified. USA Cricket, the governing body for the sport, has launched:
• Youth development programs to integrate cricket into American schools.
• College cricket tournaments, with universities such as Harvard, UCLA, and NYU forming competitive teams.
Cricket’s growing presence in American educational institutions ensures a steady pipeline of talent and cultivates future generations of U.S. cricketers.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite cricket’s expansion, challenges remain:
Competing with entrenched U.S. sports like NFL, NBA, and MLB.
Securing major TV broadcasting deals to improve visibility.
However, with corporate sponsorships, digital streaming partnerships, and international collaborations, cricket’s trajectory in the U.S. appears strong and sustainable.
A statement from former U.S. cricket captain Saurabh Netravalkar sums up the momentum:
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