Major League Cricket and US T20 Tournament Have No Future

Lalit Modi Dismisses Future of Major League Cricket and US T20 Tournament

Lalit Modi, the former chief and IPL architect, recently shared a stark outlook on the future of cricket in the United States. Despite the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics and efforts to establish Major League Cricket (MLC) since 2023, Modi remains skeptical about its growth among American audiences.

Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast with Michael Clarke, Modi highlighted the disappointing crowd turnout at recent cricket events held in the USA. The 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted partly in the US, saw empty stadiums, apart from matches involving India, indicating cricket’s struggle to capture the American fanbase.

Modi recalled discussions with West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who described the atmosphere at Texas matches as “dead” with nearly no spectators showing up. This lack of enthusiasm, Modi argued, points to a fundamental challenge for cricket’s anchor in America.

Why Cricket May Not Take Off in the US

Lalit Modi’s biggest concern is the absence of star power—an essential factor in attracting US sports fans. Unlike Indian or Australian cricket leagues, where global superstars draw large crowds and TV audiences, the Major League Cricket’s current rosters mostly feature lesser-known players. Modi stated frankly that American fans want to watch big names like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, or Michael Clarke, rather than lesser-known competitors.

Moreover, Modi dismissed popular assumptions that cricket’s Olympic status will automatically increase its popularity in America anytime soon. According to him, this change won’t significantly affect US cricket interest this decade or even the next fifty years.

Challenges Ahead for US Cricket Administrators

Modi’s comments underscore the core difficulties for cricket administrators in the US. To succeed, Major League Cricket will need to overcome cultural barriers, build regional fanbases, and secure participation from famous players who can instantly attract crowds.

Until then, the dream of cricket becoming a mainstream American sport remains distant.

Conclusion:

Lalit Modi’s candid assessment serves as a reality check regarding cricket’s future in the United States. Despite high investments and international events, without star players and local support, Major League Cricket and the US T20 tournament face an uphill battle for popularity and sustainability.

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