The United States of America (USA) isn’t exactly known for its cricket. Silicon Valley and Bollywood, on the other hand, are attempting to attract Americans to the Gentleman’s game, with one eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In this sense, the Major League Cricket T20 league in the United States is attracting talent from all over the world, with Indian players becoming more involved. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibits Indian players from competing in foreign leagues such as the MLC, a number of Indians have retired early from ‘Indian cricket’ in order to participate in the upcoming cricketing revolution in the United States.
What is Major League Cricket?
Major League Cricket (MLC) is a New York-based company devoted to administering the country’s first professional T20 cricket league as well as developing and marketing the sport. The tournament’s goal is to develop a strong team in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. MLC is the most ambitious and transformative endeavor ever attempted in the American cricket environment since it is sanctioned entirely by USA Cricket.
To enhance the level of competitiveness among the clubs, the Major Cricket League is actively attracting talent from all around the world. Six franchises will compete in the event. Major League Cricket is a part of the United States’ large cricketing aspirations, with the goal of emulating the BCCI’s Indian Premier League (IPL).
Why are Indians moving to the USA to play Cricket?
After talented batsman Smit Patel opted to go to the United States to rebuild his career, the MLC gained traction in Indian cricket. In order to do so, he had to sever all of his ties with the BCCI and his ambitions to play for India. Patel was one of the stars of the Indian U-19 squad in the 2012 World Cup, however, he was unable to continue his career after that and opted to transfer. Siddharth Trivedi, a pacer with the Rajasthan Royals, has also jumped ship and went to Minor League Cricket.
Unmukt Chand, the former India U-19 World Cup captain, has announced his move to the United States after signing a three-year agreement with Major League Cricket. Unmukt was expected to join his former India U-19 colleagues Smit Patel and Harmeet Singh in the United States.
“It’s a tough one for someone like me, who has always dreamed of playing for the country. And most of it very emotional one as well and obviously, having played every other cricket, except for the senior team, I think it was a very painful call. But then the last few years have not been very kind to me in terms of facing a lot of association politics among other things,” Unmukt said.
