Major League Cricket is starting to gain real popularity

Tech giant CEO Satya Nadella is joining the trend of putting money behind cricket teams and leagues. Over the last several months, tech CEOs are putting stock in that the sport will continue to grow in popularity, even in the United States, where it has struggled to stay afloat. 

Nadella is among a group backing Major League Cricket, a new U.S. based cricket tournament run by American Cricket Enterprises set to begin in 2022. Nadella is reported to run a team out of Seattle, which alluded to the world-class cricket field Microsoft is building as it updates its headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Over the years, Seattle has been starting youth leagues for cricket, so it’s not surprising that the city would want a professional franchise. 

Nadella’s Influence

Microsoft declined to comment about how much Nadella will participate in Major League Cricket. The databet points to that he could play a key role early on. Nadella has been interested in the game since he was a child. In 2018, Microsoft announced a smart cricket bat that was developed in partnership with Indian cricket legend Anil Kumble. Given his history and interest, we should see Nadella’s name pop up here and there. 

Rise in Popularity

The Indian Premier League debuted in 2008. Since then, the league has boomed with popularity with a shorter “Twenty20” match format. Across the world, familiarity with the sport is growing. The United States has tried to get the country more interested in cricket, but attempts have been futile, the last time being in 2009. It appears now that times have changed in America. 

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, along with Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta, is part of a long-term investment team that believes in the future of cricket in America. The trio has already been a part of a few successful ventures and could provide some of the best cricket tips on how to run a franchise. 

The New League

Khan has been a part of the rise since the start and is the most excited about the league coming to the United States. From what it sounds like, he is ready to hit the ground running in making this a success. Next, there is Venky Mysore, the CEO of KKR and Red Chillies Entertainment. Mysore has had his eye on developing cricket in the United States, while the overall expansion in the country is his long-term goal. 

Khan’s team will be based in Los Angeles and will be one of six participating franchises in the Major Cricket League in the United States. One of Khan’s firms is reportedly a part-owner of the company and is looking into starting a T20 cricket tournament and it will be expected to begin in the year 2022. Along with the Los Angeles Knight Riders, the league will feature franchises based out of New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Khan’s firm will also help cities with building cricket stadiums.