[Graphic: National Cricket League]
The Dallas-based National Cricket League has announced a prestigious approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the appointment of cricket icon Haroon Lorgat as commissioner, and the backing of SEE Holdings, a Dubai-based leader in sustainability — three significant milestones as it prepares for its 2024 Sixty Strikes Tournament to be played in October at the University of Texas at Dallas.
The league said these achievements are advancing American cricket, placing the NCL on an international platform, and establishing it as a prominent player in the global cricket community.
‘Laying the groundwork to reshape American sports for future generations’
Lorgat has had an extensive career in cricket administration, including his tenure as CEO of the ICC and Cricket South Africa, which positions him as the ideal figure to guide the NCL’s launch in the United States, the league said. Under Lorgat’s leadership, the Sixty Strikes format will debut from Oct. 4–14 at UT Dallas, making it the first national sports league partnership with a university.
The NCL said it is expecting a daily audience of around 4,000 attendees.
Lorgat’s career spans both cricket and corporate leadership, the league said.
A former first-class cricketer, he topped the batting averages in the 1985/86 South African Howa Bowl season. As CEO of the ICC from 2008 to 2012, Lorgat oversaw three Cricket World Cups and was instrumental in developments such as the Decision Review System (DRS), the expansion of anti-corruption measures, and the growth of cricket in associate countries.
Later, Lorgat consulted for Sri Lanka Cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board, helping to design the Pakistan Super League (PSL). As CEO of Cricket South Africa, Lorgat restored its reputation, earning the SA Sports Industry’s Business Leadership Award in 2016. In 2020, he joined T10 Sports Management to promote the T10 format globally.
“I’m privileged to take on this role with the National Cricket League at such a transformative moment,” Lorgat said. “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.”
Cricket and sustainability
National Cricket League said its rise to global prominence is aided by the partnership with SEE Holdings, a Dubai-based leader in sustainability and innovation. SEE Holdings, known for its work in green energy and environmental preservation, aligns with the NCL’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, the league said.
Via this collaboration, the NCL is integrating renewable energy at venues and encouraging sustainable behaviors among fans.
As part of this commitment, the NCL said it will become a carbon-neutral event by 2030. Solar energy will power key areas of the stadium, and for every boundary and six runs, the league pledges to plant a tree, contributing to reforestation efforts.
It said the initiative demonstrates the league’s leadership in both sports and environmental responsibility.
“We have established the National Cricket League as a premier force in the global cricket arena,” NCL Chairman Arun Agarwal said. “With the prestigious ICC approval, 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.”
Tourney aims for ‘a Coachella-like energy’
The league said the NCL tournament opens with Bollywood superstar Mika Singh and features themed nights, “bringing a Coachella-like energy.” This season, NCL brings together cricket legends known around the world—Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Venkatesh Prasad, Sanath Jayasuriya, Moin Khan, and Blair Franklin.
These cricketers will mentor and coach the next generation of players.
The league also 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, Mohammad Nabi, Johnson Charles.
The NCL has partnered with ESPN, Pluto TV, SKY, TNT, and Fox Sports to bring live coverage to a global audience, so fans worldwide can catch all the action. The game has more than 2.5 billion fans worldwide.
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