As of March 12, 2025, U.S. cricket has experienced significant developments, reflecting the sport’s growing prominence nationwide.
Major League Cricket (MLC) Inaugural Season
The inaugural season of Major League Cricket (MLC) took place from July 13 to July 30, 2023, marking a pivotal moment for professional T20 cricket in the United States. Six franchises competed in a single round-robin format, culminating in a four-match playoff phase. The final, held at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, saw MI New York clinch the championship by defeating the Seattle Orcas by seven wickets. Nicholas Pooran delivered a standout performance, scoring an unbeaten 137 runs off 55 balls, earning him the Man of the Match award.
International Competitions and Achievements
The United States men’s national cricket team has made notable strides on the international stage:
- 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier: The U.S. secured a spot in the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier by defeating Jersey by 25 runs, marking their first appearance in the qualifier since 2005.
- T20 International Series Against Bangladesh: In April 2024, as part of their World Cup preparations, the U.S. hosted Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series. The U.S. team achieved a historic series victory, winning the first match by five wickets and the second by six runs, marking their first series win against a full-member nation.
- 2024 T20 World Cup Performance: Co-hosting the tournament with the West Indies, the U.S. made a remarkable debut. They defeated Canada by seven wickets in their opening match and secured a thrilling Super Over victory against Pakistan. A rain-affected match against Ireland ensured their progression to the Super 8s and automatic qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- Record-Breaking ODI Defense: On February 18, 2025, during the 2025 Oman Tri-Nation Series, the U.S. defended a total of 122 runs against Oman, setting a record for the lowest total successfully defended in a men’s One Day International (ODI).
Governance and Organizational Changes
USA Cricket has undertaken significant governance reforms to align with the standards of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). On February 15, 2025, the organization announced changes to its structure to improve governance and increase player representation, including the removal of certain board members and the introduction of four Athlete Director positions. These measures aim to enhance transparency and ensure that athletes have a more substantial role in decision-making processes.
Infrastructure Developments
In preparation for co-hosting the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the United States invested in cricket infrastructure:
- Nassau County International Cricket Stadium: A temporary stadium was constructed in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York, to host World Cup matches, including the high-profile India vs. Pakistan fixture. This initiative addressed the scarcity of dedicated cricket venues in the U.S. and left a legacy of improved facilities for future events. citeturn0search15
These developments underscore the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of cricket in the United States, signaling a promising future for the sport domestically and internationally.
