America’s National Cricket League has appointed former International Cricket Council CEO Haroon Lorgat as its commissioner, aiming to popularise the sport in the United States. With Lorgat at the helm, the NCL has set its sights on popularizing cricket in the U.S. and expanding its global reach.
Who is Haroon Lorgat?
A former first-class cricketer, Lorgat went on to become one of the most respected cricket administrators. As the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2008 to 2012, Lorgat oversaw three ICC World Cups, played a key role in the implementation of the Decision Review System (DRS), and expanded the sport’s reach into associate countries.
The U.S. has long been a land dominated by traditional American sports like baseball, basketball, and American football. However, cricket has been quietly growing in popularity, particularly among immigrant communities from cricket-loving nations like India, Pakistan, and the Caribbean.
Lorgat’s vision for the NCL
Haroon Lorgat has big plans for cricket in America. In his own words, “Cricket is a sport with the power to inspire new players and connect fans across the U.S.” His vision is to reshape American sports by introducing cricket as a sustainable, globally accessible sport.
“I’m privileged to take on this role with the National Cricket League at such a transformative moment. Cricket is a sport with the power to inspire new players and connect fans across the US,” Lorgat said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
Sixty strikes tournament
To kickstart this new era of American cricket, the NCL is launching its inaugural Sixty Strikes Tournament. This innovative 60-ball format has already been approved by the ICC, marking it as a significant step forward for cricket in America. Set to take place from October 4 to 14 at the University of Dallas, the tournament is expected to attract 4,000 daily attendees. The shorter, faster format is designed to appeal to American audiences accustomed to fast-paced sports like basketball and football.
“We have established the National Cricket League as a premier force in the global cricket arena. 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,” NCL’s chairman Arun Agarwal said.
The NCL is attracting top-tier cricket talent from around the world. The roster includes legendary names like Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shakib Al Hasan, and Chris Lynn. Additionally, cricket veterans such as Wasim Akram, Sir Vivian Richards, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Zaheer Abbas will participate as mentors and coaches. The involvement of these stars will undoubtedly add excitement to the league and help draw attention to cricket in the U.S.
Despite the ambitious plans, there are significant challenges to overcome. First and foremost is the dominance of other sports in America. Cricket will need to carve out its space amidst the overwhelming popularity of the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
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