The USA is traditionally known for sports like baseball and football, but cricket is rapidly gaining recognition thanks to Major League Cricket (MLC) and the national team’s improving performances.
South Asian communities are helping children learn the game, and now USA Cricket is launching a major grassroots campaign aiming to reach one million players by 2028 after cricket’s inclusion in the LA Olympics.
Initiatives include youth festivals, coach training, better access to equipment, and pathways for national-level opportunities, ensuring a sustainable and growing future for cricket in the US.
The State of Cricket in the USA Today
Cricket in the USA is slowly gaining popularity, though it is still not as popular as baseball.
In 2006, it was estimated that more than 30000 people in the country play or watch cricket each year. Since then, that number has surprisingly increased, with 200,000 people now playing cricket.
The USA has yet to become a full-time member of the International Cricket Council, having gained associate member status in 1965. They play more international matches under the ICC in the form of CWC 2 matches and qualifiers for major ICC tournaments.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was a turning point for USA Cricket. They got to co-host the tournament with the West Indies and played in their first major ICC event.
Impact Of Major League Cricket (MLC)
The Franchise T20 League, Major League Cricket (MLC), marks another significant milestone for USA Cricket. The involvement of global brands, franchise owners, and international players makes this league match other major franchise T20 leagues around the world.
Major League Cricket has led to the growth of cricket stadiums across the country. Investments have also been made to build new stadiums. MLC is making a significant impact on cricket in the USA.
What the USA Needs to Grow Cricket
USA cricket has shown great potential in recent years, but it needs to start at the grassroots level to develop into a truly established sport in the country.
Cricket in the USA is still struggling to establish itself. To improve this, effective coaching programs and training facilities are necessary, beginning at the school level.
According to Vinay Bhimjiani, Founder and CEO of Crixmax Connect, he spoke in an interview with NDTV Sports.
“The passion is absolutely here, especially within immigrant communities. However, without an easy way for schools and neighborhoods to adopt the sport, it remains limited to weekend leagues or private academies.
That’s where we come in. We’re working on a model that simplifies things: trained coaches, tech tools, and programs designed specifically for schools and communities to plug into easily.”
The focus will be on the upcoming LA Games 2028, which will include Cricket. There will never be perfect timing for this, so we need a steady and community approach as well.
Bringing Cricket into the American Youth Sports Conversation
For cricket to thrive among American youth, it needs grassroots integration. This should start with school programs, accessible coaching, and affordable equipment.
Greater exposure through community leagues and partnerships with schools can make the sport more visible and relatable. Culturally, cricket needs a rebranding to connect with American audiences. Simplified
How Cricket Strengthens Cultural Roots for U.S.-Born South Asians
Vinay Bhimjiani insisted that Cricket can serve as a valuable cultural link for South Asian families in the U.S. Parents view it as a part of their heritage. At the same time, it offers kids a chance to connect with their roots in a different setting.
Playing cricket often strengthens family bonds and creates shared experiences. Even when parents cannot attend, AI tools like WhatsApp updates keep them involved, making cricket a family journey filled with pride and a sense of belonging.
How Crixmax Connect Will Help USA Cricket Grow?
Vijay Bhimjiani discussed his plans for Crixmax Connect and their vision.
The U.S. lacks a unified grassroots cricket system. Although talent exists, it is scattered across private academies and informal setups.
CricMax Connect aims to change that by offering schools and communities certified coaches, structured programs, Hammer gear, and AI-driven tools for tracking progress and managing logistics.
We have already seen results with PlayLA, reaching over 10,000 students in two months. By 2030, our goal is to positively impact 1.8 million students across 190 countries, creating a clear path to national teams and scholarships.
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Conclusion: USA Cricket Launches Grassroots Push to Reach One Million Players by 2028
Cricket in the USA is no longer just a weekend sport for passionate communities—it’s becoming part of a broader national conversation.
With initiatives like CricMax Connect and USA Cricket’s grassroots campaign aiming for one million players by 2028, the game is reaching schools, neighborhoods, and new audiences across the country.
The LA 2028 Olympic Games offer a unique platform to showcase cricket globally, while the focus on grassroots development ensures a lasting legacy.
With increasing participation, strong leadership, and clear pathways for young players, cricket in the U.S. is set for real transformation, and this is just the beginning.
