Major League Cricket: US cricket's American dream is slowly, but surely, becoming real
Kieron Pollard represents MI New York in the Major League Cricket in the USA. (Sportzpics)
As the third season of Major League Cricket kicks off, I find myself reflecting on just how far cricket has come in the US. In 2023, when MI New York lifted the inaugural MLC trophy many believed it might take a whole era before cricket finds a place in America's sporting landscape.
Since 2023, cricket has been making its way into American homes with notable recent success, including strong 2024 T20 World Cup performances, their qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup, topping the table in the 50 over Cricket World Cup League 2 with a big opportunity to qualify for the 2027 50 over Cricket World Cup, and cricket's inclusion in the LA28 Olympics. These milestones pave the way for continued growth in one of the world's biggest markets, both commercially and in competition with major sporting disciplines.
The numbers are compelling: Major League Cricket has expanded from 19 to 34 games by 2025, with plans to grow further. But beyond statistics lies something profound: America is falling in love with cricket, and cricket is embracing America.
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During the early days of my playing career, American cricket meant small immigrant communities in parks. Today, it means packed stadiums and young girls and boys learning to appreciate a well-timed cover drive.
The sport offers something unique in America's teeming sports landscape: strategic patience mixed with explosive capability, and Americans are discovering they have a natural appetite for this complexity.
The country's love for sport is ingrained in life, tied to history, identity, community, and culture. It's a rite of passage for kids, and as families gather at home or in stadiums, that builds passion passed down over generations.
MI New York: All You Need to Know | MLC 2025 Squad, Stars and Fixtures
You may wonder how cricket can compete with the NFL, NBA, and MLB?! Well, that's not the point. America doesn't just consume sports – it devours them. This nation embraced soccer's exponential growth, welcomed Formula 1, and turned college sports into billion-dollar enterprises. The American sports landscape isn't zero-sum; it's an ever-expanding universe. Its diverse population includes millions of cricket lovers from South Asia, the Caribbean, England, Australia, and Africa.
These communities aren't just nostalgic fans; they are cultural ambassadors introducing cricket to American neighbours and colleagues. I have witnessed this cross-pollination in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, where cricket viewing parties are becoming as American as apple pie.
MI New York fans during a match in the Major League Cricket. (Sportzpics)
The cricket development system also is taking shape and structure. There is a funnel being created and the opportunity is to give talented US players the chance to train, be coached and play with and against the best international players, helping them improve their quality of cricket, which is very visible in the 3 years, since the start of the season.
What this has done for the players development is, they are now getting opportunities to compete in other T20 leagues across the world, like Nosthush Kenjige and Monank Patel, two of the best US team players, joined our team - MI Emirates and that continued their learning curve.
One of the key factors in believing the sport's growth path in the west is its commercial viability which is real and emerging. Investors view cricket as a gateway to the massive global cricket economy worth billions.
With global marquee brands like Accenture, Cognizant, and Lexus extending their relationship with Major League Cricket, sponsors clearly see the long-term benefits that mirror what fans and current players are experiencing.
The T20 format aligns perfectly with American entertainment preferences of a three-hour match fits a perfect evening viewing, offering constant action, strategic depth, and social media-perfect moments crucial in today's sports marketing.
Cities like Oakland Coliseum – California, Grand Prairie - Texas, Morrisville - North Carolina, and soon Broward County Stadium – Florida have transformed their profiles through cricket infrastructure, creating economic development and cultural capital. Technology companies find cricket's data-rich nature and global digital audience particularly attractive.
Cricket has found a home in the USA. And trust me—this is just the beginning.
Kieron Pollard
As someone dedicated to cricket, who plays and coaches the next generation, I see the promise of American cricket every day.
I'm optimistic about cricket's American future. The foundation is solid: strong financial backing, growing infrastructure, increasing participation, and genuine fan enthusiasm. I know the global cricket community is watching America with excitement.
Kieron Pollard in action for MI New York in the MLC. (Sportzpics)
Cricket is not just growing as entertainment, but taking root as culture. And that's an idea worth chasing.
Cricket in America is no longer a hopeful dream—it's a growing reality.
The sport is evolving from entertainment into culture. And that's the kind of legacy worth building.
Cricket has found a home in the USA. And trust me—this is just the beginning.
(The article has been authored by Kieron Pollard, MI New York player, who holds the record for playing the most number of T20 games (700) and most titles won (19).
Pollard, a former West Indies batting all-rounder, played 123 ODIs and 101 T20Is for the national side. Besides MI New York in the MLC, he has also represented its sister entities MI Cape Town (SA20), MI Emirates (ILT20) and Mumbai Indians (IPL)
).
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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