The Collegiate Cricket League (CCL) is bringing global cricket to colleges across the United States.
Bringing Colleges Together Across the Nation to Promote Cricket, with Support from USA Cricket and NCL.
DALLAS, TEXAS, December 5, 2024 — The Collegiate Cricket League (CCL) has proudly announced its official launch, positioning itself as the foremost organization dedicated to collegiate cricket across the United States. As a nonprofit entity, the CCL is set to revolutionize the landscape of college sports by bringing together cricket clubs from coast to coast. Its mission is to create exciting opportunities for student-athletes while establishing a clear pathway for those aspiring to play professional cricket.
With the exciting news that cricket will be included as an Olympic sport in 2028 and its status as the second most popular sport worldwide, the CCL is on a mission to embed cricket into the fabric of American college communities. By fostering a vibrant cricket culture on campuses, the CCL aims to elevate the sport and inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.
The CCL is proud to have the support of USA Cricket, the official governing body for cricket in the United States, which will serve as an essential affiliate partner in this ambitious endeavor. Furthermore, the CCL has partnered with the National Cricket League (NCL), renowned for its ties to international cricket legends. This illustrious roster includes icons such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Haroon Lorgat, Wasim Akram, Zaheer Abbas, and Dilip Vengsarkar, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game and serve as inspirations in the cricketing world. Through these collaborations, the CCL is poised to cultivate a thriving cricket community that champions sportsmanship and excellence.
“College sports in America are unique, and the enthusiasm for cricket is extraordinary. Combining these two elements creates an exceptional synergy. The launch of a dynamic and visible college cricket competition like the Collegiate Cricket League (CCL) will significantly enhance the growth of our sport,” said USA Cricket CEO Johnathan Atkeison.
“Cricket can unite people and create opportunities unlike any other sport,” stated Arun Agarwal, Chairman of the National Cricket League. “The Collegiate Cricket League is making a transformative impact by introducing cricket to U.S. campuses in unprecedented ways. This initiative is not just about playing the game; it’s about building a movement that connects student-athletes, universities, and global fans.”
The inaugural season will begin in Spring 2025 and feature student cricket clubs from top universities across the United States and Canada. The participating institutions include:
- The University of Pennsylvania
- University of Rochester
- University of Texas at Dallas
- University of Michigan
- Drexel University
- University of Waterloo
- Texas A&M University
- West Virginia University
- Rice University
- University of Washington
- University of Minnesota
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of California, San Diego
- UCLA
- Georgetown University
- George Washington University
- DePaul University
- University of Louisville
- Arkansas State University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Wisconsin
This diverse group of universities is set to bring exciting cricket action to students and fans alike.
More student clubs are expected to join in the coming months. These teams will compete in a dual-conference format, culminating in the inaugural CCL National Tournament, which boasts a $50,000 prize and the prestigious CCL Trophy.
Cricket boasts a fascinating and extensive history in the United States, stretching back nearly 320 years. The sport’s journey in the U.S. began with the first organized collegiate cricket match in 1864, which pitted the teams of Haverford College and the University of Pennsylvania against each other in a spirited competition. Despite cricket’s decline in popularity compared to other sports over the last century, the Collegiate Cricket League (CCL) is re-energizing the game by introducing an exciting modern format: a fast-paced 10-over (60-ball) match that unfolds in just 90 minutes.
This thrilling version of cricket has captivated audiences around the globe, drawing in new fans and rekindling interest across the United States. With the support of broadcasting partnerships through the National Cricket League (NCL), CCL games are set to reach billions of viewers worldwide. This expansive reach sparks fresh excitement for college cricket and enhances the visibility of the participating universities, allowing them to showcase their athletic programs on an international stage.
“Our vision is to bring cricket stadiums to every university campus, create scholarship opportunities for aspiring student-athletes, and transform cricket clubs into competitive varsity teams,” expressed Steven M. Smith, the Executive Director of the CCL. “As cricket has become an Olympic sport and ranks as the second most popular sport in the world, universities have a remarkable opportunity to enhance their international visibility and engage with a global community.”
Source: National Cricket League USA
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