While there are many popular sports in the US, with some of the oldest games that are still played and enjoyed by huge number of people across the country such as football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey. However, there have been new sports additions to the frequently engaged sports in America.
This includes the combat sport Boxing and now the emerging, fast-paced sports Cricket. While it has been around for centuries and is recognized at a professional and international level in a lot of parts in the world. We will discuss how cricket has evolved over time and the future of cricket in the United States.
Table of Contents
1. HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF THE SPORT CRICKET
The origin of the cricket goes back to the 1600s with slowly becoming a top played sport in parts of England in the 18th century.
It is said that the sport had been introduced to North American countries and was played there for a time till it was replaced with other bat and ball games such as baseball which soon became a beloved sport. Its popularity also contributed to the economic and sporting conditions of the country, leaving behind cricket.
2. FUTURE OF CRICKET IN THE U.S
However, after decades, professional cricket has finally arrived in the US with the formation of the Major League Cricket and minor leagues. The increasing recognition and commercialization of the sport is mainly due to immigrants from South Asian countries that have settled in America.
In addition to that, the highest governing body – United States of America Cricket Association is striving hard to spread the love for cricket and make it the next big thing in the sports industry. It is also estimated that there are about 49 leagues in the US with around 1,100 certified cricket clubs.
3. Major League Cricket
The Major League Cricket aims to make a name in the sports industry just as major baseball, basketball and football leagues have – although they are beloved sports with professional games played since a long time.
However, the teams for the league include some famous names. The games feature 6 teams, namely: San Francisco Unicorns, MI New York, Los Angeles Knight Riders, Texas Super Kings, Washington Freedom and Seattle Orcas. With a number of top international players from around the world such as Shadab Khan, Jason Roy, David Wiese and many more. The first season of the MLC took place in July this year, with games held in Texas and North Carolina.
4. Minor Cricket League
Adding to the popularity of the cricket among locals, this league features majority of US residents who have a passion of cricket – making the future of cricket bright in the country. With its inauguration back in 2021, this league supports the T20 format consisting of 26 teams.
5. ICC Cricket World Cup 2024
The future of cricket looks even more promising with the first ever Cricket World Cup to be featured and co-hosted by US with West Indies in 2024! This will lead to the US gaining international recognition in the world of cricket as it also has secured a place in the games that will be held next year!
6. Author’s opinion:
The future of the sport cricket in the US indeed looks promising with the major and minor leagues across America. There has been a visible increase in the number of players across the country as well as growing audience in the live games and matches.
In the coming years, surely, we will see more of cricket in America as more cricket grounds will built on American soil. However, it may be hard to reach up to the level of top American sports mentioned above due to decade long fan following and love for the sports.
