- University of Texas at Dallas to host New National Cricket League Tournament.
Dallas, Texas, USA, August 13, 2024 — The University of Texas at Dallas has announced a partnership with the National Cricket League USA (NCL USA) to host the inaugural Sixty Strikes Tournament from October 4 to 14.
The event will showcase six teams comprising top talent worldwide, including international players, coaches, and mentors. Notable cricket players such as Mohammad Kaif, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Mohammad Amir, Angelo Mathews, Jason Roy, Mohammad Nabi, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Shahid Afridi, and Kamran Akmal have been named as team leaders. The mentors will include Dilip Vengsarkar and Zaheer Abbas, while Vivian Richards and Sanath Jayasuriya are among the named coaches.
“Texas is proud to host the inaugural Sixty Strikes Tournament,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. “Earlier this year, Texas hosted the first T20 Cricket World Cup in the United States. Our great state has welcomed the Major League Cricket and National Cricket League USA, which have a presence and teams in North Texas. As cricket expands its global fan base, Texas will hold front-row seats to its growth nationwide.”
The new format by NCL USA is setting dynamic standards for cricket. The “Sixty Strikes” event will feature an abbreviated 60-ball format known for power-hitting and high-scoring matches. The quick, action-packed games typically last around 90 minutes, allowing players to be more aggressive while showcasing their skills.
Cricket is a bat-and-ball sport where two teams compete to score the most runs. Similar to baseball, a fly ball caught by a fielder results in an out, while a batted ball that crosses the field’s boundaries scores four or six runs, depending on whether it has bounced before leaving. In cricket, balls are bowled instead of pitched, and two batters are simultaneously on the field.
“UT Dallas, home to many international students and the Comets Cricket Club, is the perfect site for NCL USA’s inaugural season,” said James B. Milliken, chancellor of The University of Texas System. “With cricket’s popularity worldwide, I share Texans’ enthusiasm for its expanded exposure here. I may not understand all the rules yet, but I’m an enthusiastic student of the game. I applaud UT Dallas, North Texas, and the state for their leadership in attracting another great venture.”
In preparation for the upcoming event, UT Dallas is improving its facilities. It includes upgrading the university’s current cricket field, installing lighting, and preparing the grounds for spectators. Seating for the event will consist of 2,040 bleacher seats and tented VIP areas. Additionally, the event will be streamed worldwide.
“Many members of the UT Dallas community are involved in playing or following the game, so hosting this innovative tournament on campus is a perfect fit,” stated UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson, the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership. “We are thrilled to welcome alumni and supporters and introduce newcomers to our university.”
In addition to showcasing cricketing talent, the NCL USA plans to feature entertainers from Bollywood and Hollywood throughout the tournament. This combination of sports and entertainment is expected to attract a diverse audience and create a unique atmosphere for the matches.
“This collaboration between UT Dallas and the NCL USA represents a groundbreaking moment for cricket in the U.S.,” said Arun Agarwal, NCL USA chairman. “By merging world-class cricket with premier entertainment, we will captivate a diverse audience and elevate the sport’s presence in North Texas. Sixty Strikes is set to be a game-changer.”
Source: University of Texas at Dallas
CitiTimes 