ICC Endorses New Cricket Tournament in USA: “Sixty Strikes” Underway

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially approved a groundbreaking cricket tournament set to take place in the United States, entitled ‘Sixty Strikes.’ This newly inaugurated tournament, part of the National Cricket League (NCL) in the USA, is scheduled to run from October 4 to October 14.

The tournament’s approval by the ICC indicates a significant endorsement as cricket continues to gain traction in the United States, particularly following the country’s impressive performance at the T20 World Cup 2024. The event is expected to draw approximately 4,000 attendees for each match.

Haroon Lorgat, a former cricket administrator from South Africa, has been appointed as the tournament’s commissioner. Lorgat, who previously played a pivotal role in the development of the Decision Review System (DRS) in cricket, expressed his excitement in a statement: “I’m privileged to take on this role with the National Cricket League at such a transformative moment. 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.”

Adding to its innovative framework, the tournament receives backing from Dubai-based SEE Holdings to ensure its sustainability goals are met. Among these is the integration of renewable energy sources at match venues and the promotion of sustainable practices among attending fans.

Cricket legends such as Sir Vivian Richards and others have been enlisted as mentors for the teams, promising top-notch guidance and boosting the tournament’s profile. This mentorship is expected to elevate the level of play and engagement among participating teams.

The matches are hosted at a single venue, the University of Texas in Dallas, featuring six teams in total. The tournament follows a single round-robin format in the league stage, with playoffs mirroring the structure commonly seen in the Indian Premier League.