Suresh Raina Shines on and off the Field at Sixty Strikes Tournament

Suresh Raina Shines on and off the Field at Sixty Strikes Tournament

Suresh Raina Lights Up Sixty Strikes Tournament with Fifty and Compassion

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has made a grand entrance into the inaugural Sixty Strikes tournament, organized by the National Cricket League (NCL) in the USA. Captaining the New York Lions in the 10-over blast, Raina showcased his batting prowess with a blistering half-century in his team’s opening match.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Raina has also displayed a heartwarming side. Along with his teammates, he welcomed Afghan refugees, including many children, to the tournament. Raina took time to interact with the families, posing for pictures and sharing moments of joy.

The Sixty Strikes tournament is a testament to the growing popularity of cricket in the United States. Featuring a star-studded lineup of current and former players, the tournament aims to further ignite the passion for the sport in the country.

Raina’s 53-run knock off just 28 balls propelled the New York Lions to a 19-run victory over the Los Angeles Waves in their tournament opener. The Indian batter’s innings was a reminder of his exceptional talent and the excitement he brings to the game.

Other notable players in the tournament include Dinesh Karthik, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahid Afridi, Sir Vivian Richards, Wasim Akram, and Sanath Jayasuriya. Even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar is involved as part of the ownership group.

The Sixty Strikes tournament is a unique opportunity for cricket fans in the USA to witness some of the greatest players in the world up close. With its fast-paced format and star-studded lineup, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling action and unforgettable moments.

Sixty Strikers League Captivates US Fans with Star Power and Thrilling T10 Action

Sixty Strikers League Captivates US Fans with Star Power and Thrilling T10 Action

The National Cricket League’s (NCL) Sixty Strikers has taken the United States by storm, captivating fans with its star-studded roster and thrilling T10 format. Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has showcased his brilliance on the pitch, while other international stars have unleashed their explosive power.

Behind the scenes, Pakistan’s legendary paceman Wasim Akram revealed the genesis of the league. Organizer Arun Agarwal approached Akram during the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in the USA and West Indies. Initially skeptical due to the tight timeframe, Akram was impressed by the organizers’ execution.

“This is amazing,” Akram said. “When Arun Agarwal met me during the T20 World Cup, he asked me to join this tournament. I was not sure if such a league could be organized in such a short time, but I must say he has done a fantastic job.”

Akram praised the facilities provided to players and the high-quality cricket on display. “This gives fans another chance to see their favorite players in action,” he said.

The Sixty Strikers tournament has adopted the drop-in pitch concept used in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Akram expressed hope that the wickets would continue to hold up well.

“I congratulate the organizers for starting the league with such renowned players,” Akram said. “I hope the drop-in pitch remains in good condition for the next 10 days.”

Cricket’s popularity in the USA has surged since the 2024 T20 World Cup. “After the World Cup, there has definitely been an interest in cricket here,” Akram said. “Cricket has got a boost. People here are now more aware of the game and its nuances.”

With the addition of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar to the league, Akram believes its popularity will skyrocket. “Sachin’s presence will give this tournament immense recognition and credibility,” he said. “I am excited to meet him and relive our on-field rivalry.”

'Sixty Strikes' Tournament Receives ICC Approval, Haroon Lorgat Appointed Commissioner

‘Sixty Strikes’ Tournament Receives ICC Approval, Haroon Lorgat Appointed Commissioner

‘Sixty Strikes’ Tournament Receives ICC Approval, Haroon Lorgat Appointed Commissioner

The National Cricket League (NCL) of the United States has received the prestigious approval of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its upcoming ‘Sixty Strikes’ tournament. This significant development marks a major milestone in the growth of cricket in the United States.

In addition to the ICC approval, the NCL has announced two other key developments: the appointment of South African businessman Haroon Lorgat as commissioner and the partnership with Dubai-based SEE Holdings to ensure the tournament’s sustainability.

Lorgat, a renowned cricket administrator, played a pivotal role in developing the Decision Review System (DRS) in cricket. His appointment as commissioner is expected to bring valuable expertise and leadership to the NCL.

“I’m privileged to take on this role with the National Cricket League at such a transformative moment,” said Lorgat. “Cricket is a sport with the power to inspire new players and connect fans across the U.S. 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.”

The ‘Sixty Strikes’ tournament, scheduled to run from October 4 to 14, is expected to attract around 4,000 attendees per match. The tournament will feature mentorship from cricket legends such as Wasim Akram, Sir Vivian Richards, and Sanath Jayasuriya.

The NCL has also partnered with SEE Holdings to promote sustainability at the tournament. The partnership aims to integrate renewable energy at match venues and encourage sustainable behavior among fans.

The ‘Sixty Strikes’ tournament is poised to further accelerate the growth of cricket in the United States, following the nation’s impressive performance at the T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament’s ICC approval, Lorgat’s appointment, and the focus on sustainability demonstrate the NCL’s commitment to developing cricket in the United States and making it a global force.

PM Modi Lauds USA Cricket Team's Performance in T20 World Cup

PM Modi Lauds USA Cricket Team’s Performance in T20 World Cup

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the performance of the United States men’s cricket team during the ICC T20 World Cup held in the United States and West Indies earlier this year. Addressing an Indian diaspora event at the Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM Modi said, “Some days back here, the T20 World Cup took place. The USA team played so well in that competition. That team had so many Indian people who are living here and their contributions were witnessed by the whole world.”

The USA hosted 16 matches during the T20 WC 2024, which was held from June 1 to June 29. Matches took place in New York’s Nassau County Stadium, Texas’s Grand Prairie Stadium, and Florida’s Central Broward Park. The USA team performed admirably, finishing second in the Group Stages with two wins and a loss. They defeated Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over and gave India a tough fight while defending a low total of 111 runs.

In the Super Eights, the USA lost all three of their matches but gave a strong performance against finalists South Africa, losing by 18 runs while chasing 195. This was the USA’s first World Cup appearance in either the 20 or 50-over formats.

Several players who represented India at the U19 level had strong performances for the USA in the tournament. Saurabh Netravalkar took six wickets, including those of Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Rizwan, and South African captain Aiden Markram. Harmeet Singh, an Indian U19 bowler who played for India in the 2012 U19 WC and domestic cricket for Mumbai, also played for the USA, taking four wickets and scoring 69 runs in four innings.

USA captain Monank Patel scored a crucial half-century against Pakistan, helping his team reach 159/3. India won the tournament, ending their 11-year ICC trophy drought.

PM Modi’s praise for the USA cricket team highlights the growing popularity of cricket in the United States and the contributions of Indian-American players to the sport.

Dravid Defends Controversial US Leg of T20 World Cup

Dravid Defends Controversial US Leg of T20 World Cup

Rahul Dravid, former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has defended the controversial US leg of the recent T20 World Cup, arguing that the “odd hours” and “challenging” facilities were necessary compromises to bring cricket to a wider audience.

Dravid, who led India to their first ICC title in 11 years during the tournament, said he had no problem with the 10:30 a.m. (local time) starts and the infrastructure used for the games in New York, Florida, and Texas.

“Yes, in terms of facilities, it’s challenging. But if you want to grow the sport and make it a global game, then you have to be at events like this and make compromises, even if it means playing at odd hours in conditions that might not necessarily be perfect,” Dravid said.

He added that the early start actually ensured that the game was “even-steven” for both teams, as dew becomes a factor in many day-night games.

Dravid also praised the ICC for its bold decision to bring the World Cup to the United States, saying it was a great effort to expose a new audience to the game.

“There is a huge passion for the game in the USA. It was really nice to play in the USA; some of the games were packed,” he said.

Dravid’s comments come amid criticism of the US leg of the tournament, with some arguing that the early start times and lack of top-quality facilities were unfair to the players and fans.

However, Dravid believes that the compromises made were necessary to grow the game in the United States and bring it to a wider audience.

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