America’s National Cricket League Appoints Haroon Lorgat as Commissioner, Aiming to Popularize Cricket in the United States
In a significant move to elevate the profile of cricket in the United States, the National Cricket League (NCL) has appointed former International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Haroon Lorgat as its commissioner. Lorgat, a respected figure in the cricketing world, will lead the NCL’s efforts to popularize the sport and establish a sustainable cricket ecosystem in the country.
Lorgat, who served as ICC CEO from 2008 to 2012, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the NCL. During his tenure at the ICC, he oversaw three World Cups and played a pivotal role in implementing key developments such as the Decision Review System (DRS), expanding anti-corruption measures, and fostering the growth of cricket in associate countries.
“I’m honored to take on this role with the National Cricket League at such a transformative moment,” said Lorgat. “Cricket has 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.”
Under Lorgat’s leadership, the NCL will host its inaugural Sixty Strikes Tournament, a new 60-ball cricket format approved by the ICC. The tournament, scheduled to take place from October 4 to 14 at the University of Dallas, marks the first national sports league partnership with a university. The NCL anticipates a daily audience of around 4,000 attendees.
“We have established the National Cricket League as a premier force in the global cricket arena,” said NCL chairman Arun Agarwal. “With the prestigious ICC endorsement, 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 has also announced a partnership with SEE Holdings, a Dubai-based leader in sustainability and innovation. The league will 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, and Mohammad Nabi. Cricket veterans like Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Venkatesh Prasad, Sanath Jayasuriya, Moin Khan, and Blair Franklin will also be involved as mentors and coaches.
The NCL’s mission to popularize cricket in the United States aligns with the growing interest in the sport among American audiences. The U.S. is home to a diverse population with a significant number of cricket enthusiasts from various backgrounds. The NCL aims to tap into this potential and create a vibrant cricket culture in the country.
