National Cricket League secures ICC approval

Ahead of its 2024 Sixty Strikes Tournament, a fast-paced version of cricket, set to debut Oct 4–14 at University of Texas, Dallas, the National Cricket League (NCL)has secured approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Dallas headquartered NCL has also appointed cricket icon Haroon Lorgat as Commissioner, bringing exceptional leadership to the league, and received the backing of SEE Holdings, a Dubai-based leader in sustainability, according to a media release.

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“These achievements are advancing American cricket, placing the NCL on an international platform and establishing it as a prominent sport within the global cricket community,” it said.

Lorgat’s extensive career in cricket administration, including his tenure as CEO of the ICC and Cricket South Africa, positions him as the ideal figure to guide the NCL’s launch in the United States, the release stated.

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Under Lorgat’s leadership, the Sixty Strikes format will debut Oct 4–14 at UT Dallas, making it the first national sports league partnership with a university.The NCL is expecting a daily audience of around 4,000 attendees.

Haroon Lorgat’s career spans both cricket and corporate leadership. A former first-class cricketer, he topped the batting averages in the 1985/86 South African Howa Bowl season.

As CEO of the ICC from 2008 to 2012, Lorgat oversaw three Cricket World Cups and was instrumental in developments such as the Decision Review System (DRS), the expansion of anti-corruption measures, and the growth of cricket in associate countries.

He later consulted for Sri Lanka Cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board, helping to design the Pakistan Super League (PSL). As CEO of Cricket South Africa, Lorgat restored its reputation, earning the SA Sports Industry’s Business Leadership Award in 2016. In 2020, he joined T10 Sports Management to promote the T10 format globally.

“I’m privileged to take on this role with the National Cricket League at such a transformative moment,” said Haroon Lorgat, Commissioner of the NCL. “Cricket is a sport with the power to inspire new players and connect fans across the US. We’re bringing something fresh, and with our focus on sustainability and global access, we are laying the groundwork to reshape American sports for future generations.”

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“Complementing the National Cricket League’s rise to global prominence is its partnership with SEE Holdings, a Dubai-based leader in sustainability and innovation,” the release stated.

“SEE Holdings, known for its work in green energy and environmental preservation, perfectly aligns with the NCL’s commitment to eco-friendly practices,” it said. “Through this collaboration, the NCL is integrating renewable energy at venues and encouraging sustainable behaviors among fans.”

As part of this commitment, the NCL will become a carbon-neutral event by 2030, the release stated. Solar energy will power key areas of the stadium, and for every boundary and six runs, the league pledges to plant a tree, contributing to reforestation efforts. This initiative demonstrates the NCL’s leadership in both sports and environmental responsibility.

“We have established the National Cricket League as a premier force in the global cricket arena,” said Arun Agarwal, Chairman of the NCL. “With the prestigious ICC approval, Haroon Lorgat’s visionary leadership, and our strategic partnership with SEE Holdings championing sustainability, we are already reshaping the future of cricket in America and setting a new global standard for the sport.”

The NCL tournament opens with Bollywood superstar Mika Singh and features themed nights, bringing a Coachella-like energy.

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This season, NCL brings together cricket legends known worldwide—Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Venkatesh Prasad, Sanath Jayasuriya, Moin Khan, and Blair Franklin. The cricketing heroes will mentor and coach the next generation of players.

The league will also feature top-tier players from around the world, including Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shakib Al Hasan, Robin Uthappa, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Lynn, Angelo Mathews, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Mohammad Nabi, Johnson Charles.

The NCL has partnered with ESPN, Pluto TV, SKY, TNT, and Fox Sports to bring live coverage to a global audience, so fans worldwide can catch all the action. With over 2.5 billion fans worldwide, cricket stands as one of the most watched sports in the world.

Tickets for the tournament are available now at NCLCricket.com or SiTickets.com

(This article was originally published by The American Bazaar.)