Cricket in America: Lessons from the past, opportunities ahead
In June, legendary rivals India and Pakistan played on Long Island, N.Y., in front of 34,000 fans as cricket took center stage in America with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the second successful season of Major League Cricket (MLC). These milestones have spotlighted the sport's potential in the U.S., revealing both progress and untapped opportunities. As cricket looks ahead to its debut at the LA28 Summer Olympics, administrators, broadcasters, and sponsors have a unique chance to amplify its presence in a market that has historically been elusive for the game. The time is now!
Cricket is the world’s second-most popular sport, with an estimated 2.5 billion fans. It is most popular in South Asia, the U.K., Australia, South Africa and the Caribbean. Approximately five million hardcore cricket fans live in the U.S., and reports suggest 30 million people across the U.S. have identified themselves as casual fans or shown interest in cricket.
Last summer’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was a significant moment for cricket in the U.S. The tournament brought the sport to Dallas, Florida and New York, showcasing thrilling contests and cultural celebrations. Fans witnessed sold-out matches featuring India and the U.S., and the ICC organized watch parties at Citi Field and World Trade Center in lower Manhattan to connect with fans. However, the World Cup also taught a few lessons. Ticketing strategies, long-term ROI on the modular stadium and 10:30 a.m. ET start times likely alienated existing fans and missed the opportunity to attract new fans.
MLC has emerged as a transformative force in the American sports landscape, laying the groundwork for cricket to thrive in a competitive market. The league features six franchises........
© Sports Business Journal
![](https://cgsyufnvda.cloudimg.io/https://qoshe.com/img/icon/go.png)