Dallas embraces cricket and its growing popularity

You might be surprised to hear that cricket, a sport traditionally more popular in European and Asian countries, is now making significant inroads in the United States, capturing the interest of a diverse and growing fan base. From the bustling streets of New York to the sprawling fields of California, or our own Trammell Crow Park in Dallas on weekends, cricket clubs are burgeoning, and local leagues are thriving, driven by a passionate community of immigrants and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The sport has become so popular that Major League Cricket completed its successful inaugural season in July 2023, with Grand Prairie Stadium as one of its venues. Grand Prairie has also been selected to host four matches in the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup that starts this weekend, including the opening match between the United States and Canada on Saturday.

The 19-match MLC tournament last summer featured six teams representing six major U.S. cities and included some of the world’s best cricketers interspersed among some local American talent. The crowds at these games were fervent and the overall response to the budding sport was both promising and proliferating.

The crowds at the MLC tournament last summer are a reflection of the popularity of the sport. Cricket, the second most popular sport worldwide is rapidly gaining traction in the United States and, particularly, in Texas. But if MLC crowds last year didn’t provide enough of a clue, perhaps the demand for World Cup tickets could offer another indication, as resale tickets to the India vs. Pakistan match in New York on, June 9 are fetching up to $4,000 on StubHub. TV viewership of the game is projected to be 600 million.

All of this would surely help emphasize why, in September 2023, it was announced that the National Cricket League would join the MLC in making North Texas its local base of operations. During that announcement, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson made it a point to underscore the sport’s growth, while also identifying Roland G. Parrish Park in Cadillac Heights as a venue for the next NCL tournament, starting in October.

Cricket is poised to become a staple of the American sporting landscape, blending its rich heritage with the dynamic spirit of American sports culture. And this is very good news for Dallas.

Along with being a professional sports hotbed, Dallas is, of course, a melting pot of cultures, with a substantial population from cricket-loving countries such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The NCL will surely help foster a sense of inclusion and representation for members of these communities in addition to promoting cultural harmony and understanding.

As cricket continues to grow both locally and globally, establishing another pro cricket league in Dallas will certainly enhance the city’s international profile and it will further position our city as the United States hub for international sports, complementing the selection of Dallas as a host of the 2026 World Cup, and allow us to showcase our cultural vibrancy and hospitality.

The influx of visitors looking to catch a local match would provide a substantial boost to the local economy, particularly within the hospitality and tourism sectors. The city of Dallas has positioned itself perfectly to take advantage of the opportunities the NCL will provide to the local economy and the community, and our constituents will be worthy beneficiaries.

Upcoming World Cup cricket matches and the presence of two leagues go beyond expanding the sporting landscape. They mark strategic moves with far-reaching social and economic benefits. This will be a catalyst for economic growth, creating jobs, boosting tourism and attracting investment. By embracing cricket, we will not only be celebrating its diversity but also paving the way for a vibrant and prosperous future, underscoring the transformative power of sport in driving community and economic development.

As they say, “Let the game begin.”

Arun Agarwal is the CEO of Nextt, a Dallas-based textile company, president of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, vice chair of the Texas Economic Development Corp. and chairman of the National Cricket League.

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