Introduction: A New Frontier for Cricket
Cricket, often dubbed the gentleman’s game, is making bold strides in a land more accustomed to baseball bats than willow blades. At the heart of this revolution stands Liam Plunkett, a 2019 World Cup winner with England, now championing the sport’s growth in the United States as a key figure for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC). With deep personal ties to the US—thanks to his American wife—and a career that spans global leagues, Plunkett is not just playing; he’s building a legacy. In an exclusive interview, he reflects on cricket’s slow but steady rise across the Atlantic, the cultural quirks of explaining the game to newcomers, and the ambitious vision driving MLC.
The American Cricket Landscape: A Journey of Discovery
Plunkett’s connection with the US spans nearly two decades, but it wasn’t until about 12 years ago that he stumbled upon the country’s hidden cricket ecosystem. ‘I was shocked to find indoor schools and local games—25 matches happening in a single area,’ he recalls. Over the last four years, living full-time in the States, he’s witnessed an accelerated evolution. The 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, brought unprecedented attention, with packed crowds at venues like Eisenhower Park for marquee clashes like India vs Pakistan. The USA team’s stunning victories over Pakistan and Canada, securing a Super 8 spot, further fueled the buzz. Yet, Plunkett notes the dichotomy: ‘In my circles, cricket is booming, but just down the road, people still ask, Do you sit on a horse to play?‘ It’s a reminder of the vast awareness gap that still exists.
Explaining Cricket: From Humor to History
For a seasoned pro like Plunkett, explaining cricket to Americans often starts with a chuckle. Early encounters included questions like, ‘Are you hitting a ball with a giant hammer?’ His go-to analogy? ‘It’s like baseball, but faster, better, and with 360-degree scoring.’ His wife often steps in to simplify the explanation, bridging cultural divides. Plunkett also highlights cricket’s surprisingly deep roots in the US, pointing to historic clubs like the Philadelphia Cricket Club and the cricket museum at Haverford College. ‘Cricket isn’t new here; it’s just experiencing a modern resurgence,’ he asserts, tying the sport to America’s own sporting lineage as the precursor to baseball.
Grassroots and Infrastructure: Building from Scratch
While MLC showcases top-tier talent at venues like Grand Prairie Stadium—which Plunkett describes as ‘immaculate, rivaling IPL grounds’—the real challenge lies at the grassroots. Limited coaching expertise and subpar facilities, often AstroTurf wickets with uneven outfields, hinder progress. Plunkett’s response? His initiative, LP Cricket, an online platform offering coaching accreditation to empower local coaches. ‘You can’t do it alone. We need a system to nurture talent from youth to pro levels,’ he says. Infrastructure, too, is a hurdle, with cricket yet to penetrate the NCAA system or high schools. But small wins—like schools adding cricket pitches—offer hope for a future where the sport finds its footing alongside American giants like football and basketball.
MLC and San Francisco Unicorns: A Visionary Approach
As a player and ambassador for the San Francisco Unicorns, Plunkett is excited by the franchise’s unique identity. Owned by tech entrepreneurs Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan, the team leans heavily on data analytics for recruitment and strategy, balanced by the cricketing acumen of head coach Shane Watson. ‘It’s a blend of numbers and gut instinct,’ Plunkett explains, noting their run to the MLC final last year. Unlike many MLC teams tied to IPL franchises, the Unicorns stand independent, focusing on a distinctly American narrative while nurturing local talent. With games planned at iconic venues like the Oakland Coliseum, Plunkett sees MLC as a platform to captivate US audiences, even if time zones pose broadcast challenges for South Asian viewers.
Conclusion: Cricket’s Olympic Dream and Beyond
Liam Plunkett envisions a vibrant future for cricket in America, especially with the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. ‘If India plays on TV, the crowds and passion will open eyes,’ he predicts. For now, his mission is clear: educate, coach, and inspire. Whether it’s simplifying a cover drive to a curious American or strategizing for MLC glory, Plunkett is all in on cricket’s American Dream. As MLC continues to attract global stars like Pat Cummins and Andre Russell, and as grassroots efforts take root, the question isn’t if cricket will thrive in the US, but how soon. With pioneers like Plunkett leading the charge, that day feels closer than ever.