Future of Cricket is in North America

I will not waste your time talking about what a craze the game of cricket is in the Indian subcontinent. No amount of words will be able to paint half the picture. What I want to talk about is the long-term future of this sport, and why I think a massive leap has to be made now. Cricket has been played for over 200 years, and yet only 10 countries play it at the top level. India is the only financially stable country that is obsessed with it. (England and Australia do not see cricket as their number 1 sport).

Less than 2 decades ago BCCI (cricket’s governing body of India) introduced the IPL, which is league cricket with international stars. This league became a financially successful venture and became an annual summer event all fans wait for. But is this the ceiling for cricket? A handful of international teams and 1domestic summer league?  

If the sport has to take the next step, it has to do it in North America. Earlier this year ICC (International Cricket Council) held the T20 World Cup tournament's group stage games in America. Nearly 190,000 fans attended games held in the USA, with iconic matches like India vs. Pakistan drawing over 34,000 spectators in New York alone. This high demand, with ticket prices reaching premium levels, determines the significant interest among South Asians settled in the U.S. Additionally, over 2.7 million users from the USA engaged with the ICC’s digital platforms during the event.

Most of critics of this argument say that no new sport can make huge waves in North America, the big 4 – NBA, MLB, NFL & NHL are etched in the North American culture. Even Soccer has not been able to make a dent, while being so popular in Europe. Now Cricket has a unique advantage in the American market. Unlike soccer, which can often end in low or scoreless games, cricket—especially formats like T20—features frequent action and high scores, making it more aligned with the entertainment-driven nature of American sports like NBA, NFL, and MLB. For North Americans, who appreciate fast-paced and constantly evolving games, cricket has the potential to captivate this audience.

The question of how it will create a fanbase is quite redundant considering the massive South Asian diaspora as well as the British and Australian diasporas already understand and appreciate the game. These communities happen to be some of the highest earning groups in North America. Not only can they convert into paying spectators but also become the next generation of athletes who will be representing USA and Canada.

Furthermore, with the sport being considered for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, cricket’s profile in the USA could grow even more rapidly. With strategic investments in infrastructure, facilities, and youth development, the USA could become a cash-rich cricketing powerhouse in the next few decades.

In conclusion, not immediately but in 3 decades cricket in the USA & Canada can become a force. If cultivated with the right investments, partnerships, and marketing, it could transform from a niche sport into a mainstream phenomenon, benefiting from both its existing diaspora fan base and the broader American appetite for engaging, high-energy sports.