Cricket in the United States is at a historic crossroads, and if Seattle Orcas CEO Hemant Dua has his way, the sport will soon find a permanent home in the mainstream. In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Dua outlined a bold vision for Major League Cricket (MLC), now in its third season, to penetrate the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)—a move he believes is critical for cricket’s long-term growth in a country where the sport remains largely unfamiliar.
The catalyst for this renewed optimism? The USA’s stunning victory over Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a moment Dua describes as a ‘dream come true‘ for American cricket. ‘That win was monumental,’ Dua remarked. ‘It wasn’t just a sporting upset; it was a cultural milestone that put USA cricket on the map. The economic impact of the World Cup was massive, and it’s given us the first real foothold to build on.’
Yet, Dua acknowledges that cricket’s journey in the USA has been anything but smooth. ‘For years, cricket lingered at the amateur level here, with the national board facing endless challenges,’ he explained. ‘But with recent investments from the International Cricket Council (ICC), there’s a clear intent to conquer this frontier. The 2024 World Cup success has only amplified that momentum.’
The next big step, according to Dua, is integrating cricket into the NCAA, where sports like basketball and American football often find their grassroots. ‘In the US, if you’re not in the college system, your sport doesn’t grow,’ he emphasized. ‘The NCAA is the foundation for everything. Once cricket becomes part of it, growth becomes automatic.’ However, this ambition comes with hurdles, notably adherence to Title IX, which mandates equal opportunities for women’s sports. ‘Without a robust women’s cricket program, NCAA recognition is impossible,’ Dua noted. Encouragingly, in his Pacific Northwest region, girls’ cricket is gaining traction at U-19 and U-16 levels, though numbers remain modest.
Looking ahead, the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics presents another golden opportunity. Dua revealed that all six MLC franchises are contractually obligated to build their own stadiums by that year. ‘Dedicated venues will create a lasting infrastructure for the sport,’ he said. ‘Coupled with the Olympics spotlight, we expect a significant surge in public awareness and interest.’
Dua also highlighted the untapped potential of the South Asian diaspora in the USA—estimated at 20 million, with Indians boasting the highest net worth among ethnic groups. ‘Their spending capacity and emotional connect with cricket are huge assets,’ he said. ‘If we can harness that passion, it could be a game-changer for MLC’s sustainability.’ Drawing from his decade-long stint with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the IPL, Dua admitted that all MLC franchises are currently operating at a loss. ‘Even in the IPL, losses were the norm for the first 10 years until broadcast deals turned the tide,’ he recalled. ‘MLC’s sustainability hinges on future media contracts. We’re on platforms like Willow, and now Amazon is broadcasting Sunday night games. Regional tie-ups with networks like Root and Fox 13 are expanding our reach, though profitability remains a distant goal.’
As cricket slowly carves its niche in the American sporting landscape, Hemant Dua’s vision is clear: NCAA inclusion, Olympic prominence, and community engagement are the pillars that will elevate MLC from a niche league to a household name. ‘It’s a long road, but the pieces are falling into place,’ he concluded. ‘The question isn’t if cricket will grow in the USA, but how fast.’