Cricket's Olympic Inclusion to Expand Global Reach, Says Ponting

Cricket’s Olympic Inclusion to Expand Global Reach, Says Ponting

Cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting believes this opportunity will significantly expand the sport’s reach and popularity.

Ponting, a three-time ODI World Cup winner, recently coached the Washington Freedom to this year’s Major League Cricket title, giving him valuable insight into how cricket is perceived in the USA. He emphasized that the Olympic Games provide a unique platform to expose cricket to a vast new audience.

“The Olympic Games being viewed by so many people all around the world, it just opens up completely different audiences to our game that’s seemingly growing on a daily basis anyway,” said Ponting.

Ponting also pointed out the potential for cricket to tap into baseball’s fanbase in the USA. “The way that I sort of try and compare the two is we’ve all been to games of Major League Baseball. Huge events, the bat and ball game that Americans are growing up with and that game goes for four hours and through the history of the game, there’s less than one home run scored in every game,” he said.

“So when you compare baseball to what the excitement and entertainment package that T20 cricket brings, then it should be a reasonably easy sell to the young kids in the US.”

Ponting expressed his excitement about the possibility of serving as either a mentor or coach for the Australian team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “It’d be a pretty nice job, I reckon, to be a mentor around a cricket team in the Olympic Games, to hang out,” he said.

The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is a testament to the sport’s growing global appeal. It provides an opportunity for cricket to reach new heights and inspire future generations of players.

Washington Freedom Set 145-Run Target in Major League Cricket Final

Washington Freedom Set 145-Run Target in Major League Cricket Final

The highly anticipated Major League Cricket Final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns commenced with a thrilling start. San Francisco Unicorns captain Corey Anderson won the toss and elected to field first.

Washington Freedom openers Steven Smith and Travis Head took to the crease, eager to set a solid foundation. Smith pushed the ball for a quick single, while Head showcased his aggressive intent with a boundary through extra cover. However, Head’s luck ran out in the second over as he edged a delivery to first slip, giving Haris Rauf a crucial wicket.

Andries Gous joined Smith at the crease and opened his account with a two through mid-wicket. The Freedom duo continued to rotate the strike, but the Unicorns bowlers maintained a tight line and length.

At the other end, Carmi le Roux opened the bowling for San Francisco Unicorns. Travis Head welcomed him with a boundary over cover, but le Roux responded with a full delivery that Head drilled towards short cover.

The Unicorns bowlers continued to apply pressure, with Pat Cummins replacing le Roux. Cummins’ good length deliveries kept the Freedom batsmen in check, and Gous was eventually dismissed for 2 runs.

As the innings progressed, Washington Freedom struggled to build momentum. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Maxwell fell in quick succession, leaving the team in a precarious position.

However, Mukhtar Ahmed and Obus Pienaar provided some resistance, adding 35 runs for the fifth wicket. Ahmed played a gritty innings, while Pienaar struck a few boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking.

In the end, Washington Freedom managed to post a respectable total of 145/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Ahmed top-scored with 32 runs, while Head contributed 20.

For San Francisco Unicorns, Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2/25 in his four overs. Haris Rauf and Carmi le Roux also chipped in with wickets.

Texas Super Kings Crush MI New York in MLC Eliminator

Texas Super Kings Crush MI New York in MLC Eliminator

In a thrilling Major League Cricket Eliminator match, the Texas Super Kings, led by captain Faf du Plessis, emerged victorious over defending champions MI New York by a comfortable nine-wicket margin.

Chasing a modest target of 164, the Super Kings displayed a dominant performance, reaching the winning total in just 18.3 overs. Du Plessis, the Player of the Match, anchored the chase with a superb 72 off 47 deliveries, including three towering sixes and six boundaries. His opening partnership with Devon Conway, who contributed an unbeaten 51 off 43 balls, laid the foundation for the Super Kings’ success.

After du Plessis’ dismissal, Conway and Aaron Hardie ensured a seamless finish. Hardie’s quickfire 40 not out from 22 balls, featuring two sixes and three fours, complemented Conway’s steady knock. The duo forged an unbeaten 66-run stand to seal the victory for their team.

Reflecting on the triumph, du Plessis emphasized the significance of a strong start and praised his teammates’ efforts. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy run rate throughout the chase and acknowledged the contributions of Stoinis and Hardie in the bowling department.

MI New York, on the other hand, struggled to gain momentum after being sent in to bat. Despite a promising start, they lost key wickets in quick succession, including opener Dewald Brevis and Nicholas Pooran. Shayan Jahangir and Monank Patel provided some stability, but their partnership was broken by Dwayne Bravo.

Rashid Khan attempted to boost the team’s total, but received limited support from his teammates. MI New York eventually ended their innings at 163/8 in 20 overs, falling short of a competitive score.

Skipper Kieron Pollard acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and expressed a commitment to return stronger next season. He emphasized the need for improvement in fielding and overall performance.

With this victory, the Texas Super Kings advance to the next round of the competition, while MI New York’s title defense comes to an end.

Afghan Fan Drives 14 Hours to Meet Cricket Idol Marcus Stoinis

Afghan Fan Drives 14 Hours to Meet Cricket Idol Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder currently playing for the Texas Super Kings (TSK) in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US, received a heartwarming surprise after TSK’s match against the Seattle Orcas in Dallas. A dedicated female fan from Afghanistan, who had traveled 14 hours from Colorado Springs, waited patiently to meet her idol.

The fan, whose name was not disclosed in the video shared by TSK on social media, expressed her admiration for Stoinis, saying, “I am from Afghanistan…I always talked about him (Stoinis) with my school friends.” She had created a special poster for her favorite player and enthusiastically cheered for him from the stands.

“I thought this (MLC) is going to be a big opportunity to come and see him, cheer for him. That was like one of my dreams, which has come true…I had to drive for 14 hours from Colorado Springs…to just come and see him,” she said.

When asked how she would react if she met Stoinis in person, she replied, “I have no idea what I am going to do, maybe I will start crying or something.”

After the match, Stoinis made the fan’s dream come true by meeting her. The video of their encounter, captioned “The Yellove is unmatched,” went viral on social media.

Stoinis’s gesture not only touched the fan’s heart but also highlighted the global reach and impact of cricket. The MLC, a new professional cricket league in the US, is providing a platform for players from around the world to showcase their skills and connect with fans.

The fan’s dedication and Stoinis’s kindness serve as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire and bring people together.

Seattle Orcas Dominate Texas Super Kings in Final League Game

Seattle Orcas Dominate Texas Super Kings in Final League Game

The highly anticipated final league game of the 2024 Major League Cricket season between Texas Super Kings and Seattle Orcas commenced with a thrilling start. Seattle Orcas, after winning the toss, elected to field first.

The Texas Super Kings openers, Devon Conway and Faf du Plessis, faced the debutant Ayan Desai. Desai made an immediate impact, dismissing Conway for a golden duck with a skidding delivery that struck the batsman’s pads. The UltraEdge confirmed the absence of bat involvement, and the on-field decision of lbw was upheld by the Ball Tracking technology.

Joshua Tromp replaced Conway at the crease and attempted to release the pressure with a gorgeous boundary through covers. However, Desai maintained his tight line and length, restricting the Texas Super Kings to a slow start.

The Seattle Orcas bowlers continued to dominate, with Ali Sheikh and Michael Bracewell keeping the Texas Super Kings batsmen in check. Marcus Stoinis and Milind Kumar tried to steady the innings, but the Orcas bowlers remained relentless.

As the innings progressed, the Texas Super Kings struggled to find momentum. Calvin Savage and Cameron Stevenson fell in quick succession, leaving the team in a precarious position. Mitchell Santner and Noor Ahmad attempted to salvage the situation, but their efforts were not enough.

Seattle Orcas’ bowlers, led by Desai’s impressive debut, restricted Texas Super Kings to a modest total of 125 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Desai finished with figures of 3 for 15, while Sheikh and Bracewell claimed two wickets each.

Glenn Maxwell Joins Australian Trio at Washington Freedom for MLC Season

Glenn Maxwell Joins Australian Trio at Washington Freedom for MLC Season

Glenn Maxwell, the explosive Australian all-rounder, has joined Travis Head and Steve Smith in signing with Washington Freedom for the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Maxwell’s decision to join MLC comes after he requested to be omitted from Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) lineup in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Maxwell’s signing with Washington Freedom marks the latest addition of Australian talent to MLC. He will join his national teammates Head and Smith, as well as former IPL coach Ricky Ponting, at the Washington-based franchise. Maxwell expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play in the United States, stating that he has been eager to participate in the tournament since its inception.

The Australian all-rounder cited the presence of familiar faces like Head, Smith, and Ponting as a key factor in his decision to join Washington Freedom. He believes that their familiarity will help him settle in quickly and contribute to the team’s success.

Maxwell’s decision to request omission from RCB’s lineup was not motivated by a need for a mental break, as some had speculated. Instead, he explained that he felt he was not performing at his best and wanted to avoid putting pressure on the team’s captain and coach.

“I was pretty low on confidence,” Maxwell said. “I had a good couple of net sessions and just went out to the ground and felt really tentative. I wasn’t able to really commit to my game plans and just felt like if I had kept playing and playing that role, I don’t think the results would change too much.”

Maxwell’s self-assessment led him to believe that he was not contributing enough to the team and that it was in the best interests of RCB to give another player a chance. He emphasized that he is not taking an extended break from cricket but rather is focused on improving his form and regaining his place in the team.

Maxwell’s absence from RCB’s lineup is likely to continue for the next game against Kolkata Knight Riders, as he is currently nursing a minor hip injury. He understands that he needs to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to return to the team.

“I’ve actually got a little bit of a hip strain so I’ve got a few more days off and during recovery,” Maxwell said. “So I’ve got a little period here where I’m still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I’ll obviously put my hand up and take it.”

Travis Head Joins Steven Smith in Major League Cricket

Travis Head Joins Steven Smith in Major League Cricket

Travis Head, the dynamic Australian batter, has opted to extend his playing season by joining Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC) alongside fellow countryman Steven Smith. Head’s decision comes despite the grueling schedule he has endured in recent months, including the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Head’s decision to continue playing reflects his unwavering commitment to the sport and his desire to maintain his form. Despite experiencing fatigue at the end of the Australian summer, he has chosen to embrace the challenge of a new league and a new environment.

Washington Freedom, under the guidance of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, has assembled an impressive roster for the upcoming MLC season. Head and Smith will join New Zealand allrounder Rachin Ravindra, South African paceman Marco Jansen, and Trinidadian spinner Akeal Hosein.

Head’s signing adds further depth to the Australian contingent in MLC, which already includes Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, and Tim David. The tournament, which kicks off immediately after the T20 World Cup, promises to showcase some of the world’s best cricketers.

Head’s decision to join MLC is a testament to the growing popularity of the league and its ability to attract top-tier talent. The tournament provides an opportunity for players to extend their playing season and gain valuable experience in a different cricketing environment.

Willow and Cricbuzz Unite to Create Premier Cricket Destination in North America

Willow and Cricbuzz Unite to Create Premier Cricket Destination in North America

Willow, the leading cricket broadcaster in North America, has joined forces with Cricbuzz, the world’s largest cricket website and app, to create ‘Willow by Cricbuzz.’ This groundbreaking partnership establishes a comprehensive destination for cricket enthusiasts in the United States and Canada.

‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ seamlessly integrates live streaming into Cricbuzz’s renowned platform, offering a comprehensive cricket experience. Users can now enjoy live matches alongside Cricbuzz’s expert commentary, news, and analysis. This integration marks a significant milestone for American cricket, coinciding with the launch of Major League Cricket and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup Championship in the United States.

The partnership between Willow and Cricbuzz is a testament to Times Internet’s dominance in the global cricket landscape. As the digital arm of The Times of India Group, Times Internet holds a leading position in both India and North America.

Todd Myers, COO of Willow, hailed the launch as a fusion of two industry leaders. He emphasized that the collaboration transcends a mere merger, representing an evolution in cricket broadcasting. Pankaj Chhaparwal, CEO of Cricbuzz, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the harmonious blend of cricket heritage and cutting-edge analysis.

‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ is available to customers through the Cricbuzz app and website. New users can sign up at cricbuzz.com/willow or download the Cricbuzz app. Existing Willow subscribers can continue to watch live cricket on Willow’s digital platforms and on ‘Willow by Cricbuzz.’

The launch of ‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ coincides with the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s premier T20 cricket tournament. Cricket fans in North America can now enjoy the IPL and other major cricket events exclusively on ‘Willow by Cricbuzz.’

Cognizant Becomes Title Sponsor of Major League Cricket, Fueling Growth of Cricket in America

Cognizant Becomes Title Sponsor of Major League Cricket, Fueling Growth of Cricket in America

Major League Cricket (MLC) has secured Cognizant as its inaugural title sponsor, marking a pivotal moment for professional cricket in the United States. This multi-year partnership aims to accelerate the growth of the sport in America, fostering a new era for the world’s second-largest sport.

Vijay Srinivasan, co-founder of MLC, hailed the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Cognizant as our title sponsor, starting with season two of MLC this summer.” He emphasized the partnership’s role in propelling the league’s growth and the sport’s popularity in the United States.

Cognizant’s Chief Executive Officer, Ravi Kumar S, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for supporting MLC’s vision. “We are excited to inspire the next generation of cricket players,” he said. The partnership extends beyond sponsorship, encompassing outreach and education initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in sports and technology.

Cognizant’s sponsorship portfolio includes partnerships with PGA, LPGA, Aston Martin Formula 1 (AMF1) team, SailGP, and the English Football Association. This move aligns with the company’s commitment to showcasing the intersection of sports and technology while promoting diversity and inclusion.

MLC’s second season, commencing on July 4, promises an exhilarating display of talent. Renowned cricketers from Afghanistan, South Africa, Pakistan, and the West Indies will grace the field, including Rashid Khan, Faf du Plessis, Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock, Haris Rauf, and Sunil Narine.

The success of MLC’s inaugural season, characterized by sold-out matches and a surge in fan engagement, has set the stage for further expansion. Matches for the 2024 season will be held at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, with additional venues to be announced soon.

The partnership between MLC and Cognizant marks a significant milestone in the journey to establish cricket as a prominent sport in the United States. It promises growth, excitement, and opportunities for players and fans alike, solidifying the sport’s future in the American sporting landscape.

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