Welcome to The American Pitch! We’re here to bowl you over with a bold new take on cricket news and culture. From global headlines to U.S. grassroots growth, gear trends to the road to the Olympics – consider this your all-access pass to the wicket. Let’s dive in! 🏏🔥

🔥 Major League Cricket 2025 Blasts Off

Big names, bigger hits: America’s T20 league is back.

Major League Cricket’s sophomore season is about to bowl off, and it's bringing serious star power to U.S. shores. Faf du Plessis, the evergreen South African legend (turning 41 this month), will once again captain the Texas Super Kings – he topped last season’s charts with a staggering 420 runs at a strike rate of 170.

The 2025 MLC campaign kicks off June 13, with six teams (including defending champs MI New York) set to battle it out for the title. Last year’s inaugural tournament exceeded expectations – MI New York clinched the championship and the league drew about $8M in revenue. This year, with international talents like du Plessis and company returning, and new local heroes emerging, the buzz is even bigger. American cricket fans are geared up for more high-octane nights under the lights as MLC 2025 swings for the fences.

🥇 Cricket Goes for Gold at LA28

The gentleman’s game eyes a golden comeback.

Cricket is officially back in the Olympics after a 128-year absence, and it’s coming to Southern California. The 2028 Los Angeles Games will host T20 cricket – a fast-paced short format – with both men's and women's tournaments featuring six teams each.

The IOC just confirmed a very home-friendly venue: the Fairgrounds in Pomona, CA will be the site of this historic showdown, meaning cricket will make its Olympic return on U.S. soil. With only six slots per gender, every match will be high-stakes. Expect powerhouses like India, Australia, and England (and yes, Team USA as host) to battle for those medals. The countdown to LA28 is on, and cricket’s going for gold!

Feature: America’s Cricket Rise

From niche pastime to next big thing.

Cricket in the USA is shedding its underdog status and hitting new heights. The sport’s momentum here is backed by real numbers – participation has surged ~40% since 2018, with over 200,000 active players now competing across 400+ local leagues nationwide. Once sustained largely by immigrant communities, cricket is expanding into schools and suburbs coast-to-coast. Youth programs are picking up steam, and even inner-city initiatives are introducing the game to diverse new audiences.

Driving this boom is a convergence of big events and investments. The launch of Major League Cricket in 2023 drew millions of viewers on debut, signaling serious domestic interest. In 2024 the U.S. co-hosted the ICC T20 World Cup – a marquee tournament that attracted massive investment and viewership, and even saw Team USA upset expectations by advancing to the Super 8 stage. With plans afoot to expand MLC franchises, build new stadiums, and cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the sport is staking a real claim in the American sports landscape. From local little leagues to pro pitches, cricket’s rise in America is a story still being written – and it’s picking up pace with no signs of slowing down.

Gear & Culture: The Smart Cricket Revolution

Tech meets tradition on the pitch.

The latest trend in cricket gear is straight out of a tech startup’s playbook. Smart bats embedded with motion sensors and Bluetooth are now a reality, tracking metrics like bat speed, swing angle, and impact in real time. Players and coaches can get instant feedback on their strokes – talk about next-level net practice. Even the cricket ball is joining the IoT age: manufacturers have developed a “SmartBall” with an internal microchip that measures speed, spin, and power and relays the data live to an app. This torrent of data is changing how players train and how fans experience the game, bringing analytics to the forefront of a sport steeped in tradition.

On the style side, cricket apparel is getting a 21st-century upgrade too. Performance wear is embracing sustainable materials – think jerseys made from recycled polyester, and even experimental gear like bamboo-infused bats – combining eco-friendly cred with top-notch playability. Meanwhile, major sports brands are noticing the U.S. cricket uptick and dipping their toes in the market with specialized shoes and streetwear-inspired cricket merch. The culture around cricket is evolving: it’s tech-savvy, eco-conscious, and fashion-forward. Who says you can’t respect the classics and rock the latest tech? In 2025, cricket is doing both.

🏆 Partner Spotlight: HNDRD

Quick Hits: Cricket World News 🌍✨

• U.S.: The USA Women’s National Team is heading to the Netherlands for a five-match T20I series in June – a key international tune-up for the American side. 🇺🇸🇳🇱

• ICC: World Test Championship Final alert – first-time finalists South Africa take on defending champs Australia at Lord’s starting June 11. Test cricket’s ultimate prize is on the line! 🏆

• Gear: The SmartBall is making waves in leagues – this micro-chipped ball delivers real-time data on speed, spin, and power to your phone as you play. Is this the future of coaching and commentary? 🔮

• Olympics: Cricket at LA 2028 will be a six-team T20 shootout (for both men and women) on U.S. turf. Only one question: which nation will grab the first Olympic cricket gold of the modern era? 🥇

🏏 Spotlight the Best in American Cricket!

We want to hear from YOU! Know a legendary coach, standout player, or game-changing academy in your community? Help us celebrate the heart of U.S. cricket by nominating them for a future feature in The American Pitch!

Whether it’s a rising star or a hometown hero, we’re looking to spotlight the stories that inspire, unite, and elevate the game.
Submit your favorites now — and let’s give American cricket the recognition it deserves!

Send your picks to [email protected] today!