Washington Freedom owner Sanjay Govil is confident that new captain Steve Smith will lead the team to success in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Washington will begin their campaign against MI New York on July 6, with a competitive international and domestic roster including players like Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra, and pace sensation Saurabh Netravalkar.
Cricket, especially T20 cricket, is gaining popularity in the US, with over 35 million viewers and significant events like the India-Pakistan match in New York. The recent T20 World Cup success and USA’s win against Pakistan have raised awareness and interest in the sport. Govil sees cricket as a great unifier and team-building activity in a country dominated by sports like NFL, NBA, and MLB.
With MLC gaining momentum, investors like Infinite Solutions are willing to invest in cricket and help promote the sport in the US. Advertisers are also showing interest in targeting the sizable cricket-viewing population, with high economic impact. This investment reflects the passion for cricket that drives the sport’s growth in the US.
MLC’s List-A status granted by the ICC motivates players to perform at their best, contributing to the growth of cricket in the US. Players like Saurabh Netravalkar, who left a mark in the T20 World Cup, showcase the talent and potential of cricket in the country. Washington Freedom’s team is looking forward to a successful season with a focus on competitiveness and teamwork, aiming to elevate cricket’s status in the US sports landscape.
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