Cricket in the USA

As the USA co-hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and have qualified for the Super 8s stage of the tournament, we will take look at how it’s poised to shape cricket in the USA.

Included is an overview of the game’s current state in the country, how the T20 World Cup is panning out, and what to expect following the tournament for Team USA.

USA Cricket

It’s fair to say that cricket isn’t the most popular sport in the USA. It attracts nowhere near the numbers of both participants and fans as American football, basketball, and baseball.

However, the USA’s surprise progression from the initial group stages of the T20 World Cup has given it some traction. As a result, cricket in the USA is on the rise, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) hopes that this sleeping giant will continue to grow.

Number of Players

Around 200,000 people across the USA play cricket. It’s a tiny percentage compared to the country’s highest participating sport, basketball, with 30.3 million.

By hosting the T20 World Cup, it is hoped the number of cricket players in the USA will increase to 1 million+ by 2028. The ICC will use the tournament as a springboard for new market growth, building on the country’s estimated 30-50 million fans.

Where it’s Played in the USA

The USA has five international cricket grounds that have hosted various international, first-class, and List-A games. These are highlighted in the table below:

On top of this, around 45 registered cricket grounds are located throughout the country. These host games for amateur cricket clubs, colleges, and schools.

Who Plays Cricket in the US?

The vast majority of cricketers in the US are South-Asian migrants, with most natives from India and Pakistan, where cricket is the national sport.

From a professional standpoint, USA Cricket hosts Major League Cricket (MLC) and Minor League Cricket. The MLC hosted its inaugural tournament in 2023 and looks to emulate other cricket powerhouses, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australian Big Bash, following the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup.

Major League Cricket

The MLC has done well to establish itself quickly as a destination for some of the best players in the world and the second edition of the tournament begins immediately after the T20 World Cup.

It is possible to watch and bet on cricket games in the MLC the same as any other league from around the world which will only broaden its appeal.

MLC 2024 will provide a great opportunity for American players to play alongside superstars of the game and American fans to discover the sport.

USA at the T20 Cricket World Cup

It’s fair to say that little was expected from the USA in the World Cup group stages, facing tough opposition in the form of India, Pakistan, Ireland, and Canada. But against all odds, they finished second in the group, beating Canada and Pakistan, before qualifying for the next Super Eights stage.

They will play England, South Africa, and the West Indies, where they must finish in the top two to qualify for the knockouts. It will take a monumental effort to reach the semi-finals. Still, USA Cricket has already surpassed all expectations and, with no pressure on their shoulders, could, once again, cause an upset or two.

USA Cricket’s Key Players

Here’s a look at three key players from the USA team:

Conclusion

Cricket in the USA is on the up. The ICC has often quoted the country as the sleeping giant of cricket, and the country’s exposure to cricket via the T20 Cricket World Cup is the key to its growth.

The success of the US cricket team so far will no doubt expedite this growth. Qualifying for the Super Eights is already a victory, and with the confidence flowing, who knows what heights they will reach over the next decade.