Virat Kohli blamed for USA Cricket's decline by IPL founder

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi raised doubts about cricket’s growth in the United States while recalling a conversation with West Indies legend Chris Gayle. Modi stated that Gayle described the atmosphere at Major League Cricket in Texas as “dead” without superstar players such as Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.

The International Cricket Council hosted some matches of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United States, but attendance was modest except for the India games. Notably, the USA Cricket Association launched Major League Cricket in 2023, and the league continues to face challenges in attracting large crowds.

Chris Gayle Said, ‘My Brother, It’s Dead’ - Lalit Modi

Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast with former Australia captain Michael Clarke, Lalit Modi said that stadiums were empty during Major League Cricket last year. Modi added that cricket is unlikely to grow in America in the near future.

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“You look Major League cricket. It just finished. I called up my friend Chris Gayle. ‘Chris, I see you in Texas. What’s the atmosphere like?’ He said, ‘my brother it’s dead’. There’s nobody in the stadium,” Modi said.

"There was nobody in the stadium. They think that the cricket going to the Olympics is going to fuel America. It ain’t happening now, this decade, next decade, next 50 years,” he added.

All Want to Spend Money to Watch Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni - Lalit Modi

Lalit Modi stated that cricket fans in the United States are unlikely to spend money watching unknown players. He added that spectators are willing to spend money to watch stars like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Michael Clarke, and Brett Lee.

“I am a businessman expert sitting anywhere in the world in America, San Francisco, Los Angeles. I am going to see somebody called Virat Singh playing against Dushyant Singh. Against Lalit Singh," Modi stated.

"I’ve never heard of them. All that I want is to watch and spend my money to watch Virat Kohli. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Michael Clarke, Brett Lee. These expats have worked hard,” he continued.

Indian cricketers are not allowed to play in T20 leagues outside India because of the rules set by the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council. They can only represent their franchises in the Indian Premier League. Players can participate in foreign leagues after their retirement from Indian cricket.

When India Played Pakistan in New York, the Stadium Was Full - Lalit Modi

The former IPL chairman emphasized that cricket fans are drawn to high-profile matches and star players. He noted that India-Pakistan games in New York attracted crowds, but other matches and local leagues failed to garner attention.

“Now, India Pakistan played in New York. We filled the stadium. Did anybody fill any other stadium in the World Cup that just happened in America? No. Does anybody watch Ranji Trophy in India? No," Modi stated.

"Does anybody watch local leagues anywhere? No. Now people watch star players. If there are no stars, no Indian stars, why will the Indian expatriate population or the Commonwealth population watch major league cricket?” he said.

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