The Inaugural Major League T20 Cricket (MLC) – USA July 13-30th 2023 - Is Strictly Business!

… has nothing to do with developing the game in America or Canada.

Tournament is made up of six teams - SAN FRANCISCO UNICORNS/SEATTLE ORCAS/TEXAS SUPER KINGS WASHINGTON FREEDOM/MI NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES KNIGHT RIDERS … teams are affiliated with current Indian premier league (IPL) franchises.

Promoting Cricket in the USA and Canada!

First-class cricket is an important aspect for cricket's success in the United States and Canada:

In the United States of America – cricket will have to compete with these massive major sport leagues: Baseball (MLB), Football (NFL), Basketball (NBA) and Hockey (NHL). They have all contributed heavily to grassroots development programs from ages five years old and up.

So, for Cricket to be successful in the United States and Canada – they MUST implement a first-class (red ball) cricket system. Playing in schools is a great way but this will not produce high quality players that will be able to compete with countries that have a solid domestic first-class cricket system.

The need for a robust first-class cricket system. While playing cricket in schools can help introduce the sport to a wider audience, it may not be sufficient for developing high-quality players who can compete with countries that have well-established domestic first-class cricket structures.

To reach the same standards as the major sports leagues in the US and Canada, cricket would benefit from implementing the following strategies: Domestic First-Class Cricket - Establishing a strong domestic cricket structure is crucial. This includes organizing multi-day matches at the first-class level, like the Ranji Trophy in India or the County Championship in England. These competitions provide a platform for players to showcase their skills, gain experience, and improve their game.

Infrastructure and Facilities - Building appropriate infrastructure and cricket-specific facilities is crucial for the growth of the sport. This includes constructing cricket grounds, practice facilities, indoor training centers, and academies. Having well-maintained pitches and quality playing surfaces is important for players to develop their skills and enjoy the game.

Mainstream Media Coverage and Promotion - Promoting cricket through effective media coverage and marketing strategies can help generate interest and attract a larger fan base. Broadcasting matches on popular sports networks, organizing promotional events, and leveraging digital platforms can increase visibility and create a following for the sport.

Collaboration with IPL Franchises - Since the MLS teams are affiliated with current Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, fostering collaboration between these entities can provide valuable resources, knowledge transfer, and player exchanges. This partnership can facilitate the sharing of expertise, coaching methodologies, and player development strategies.

By implementing these strategies and investing in the development of a first-class cricket system, cricket in the United States and Canada can aspire to reach the same high standards set by the major sports leagues in those countries.