Cricket NSW comes to America with players set for T20

Several NSW stars could soon be taking up cricket in the US after the state signed a landmark deal with major league competition and a founding franchise in Washington DC

Under a seven-month agreement, Cricket NSW will partner with Major League Cricket and support the development of the sport in the United States.

The state will also become a powerful partner to the Washington-based side, helping with roster management and coaching, with IPL franchises expected to take on similar roles with the league’s other five clubs.

The cash tournament, scheduled to begin in July, will feature teams from Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Seattle and New York City.

The prospect of playing in America would be an attractive option for several players, along with the compact schedule of 19 games in 18 days.

Steve Smith is among the players known to have an affinity with the USA via New York.

The timing of the tournament means Australia’s test players were unable to take part this year due to the Ashes, but it could be attractive to white ball stars as July is a quiet month for franchise cricket.

It is also already expected that several IPL players could take part in the tournament, with a strong contingent from overseas likely.

“The opportunities for all of our players will be brilliant,” said Lee Germon, CEO of Cricket NSW.

“Steve has made no secret that he loves New York. But there are also two or three other players I spoke to who would like to play cricket in the United States.

“We will seek to leverage players within the Cricket NSW ecosystem to highlight not only the T20 competition and MLC, but cricket in the United States as well.

“To put it this way, I don’t think we’ll be short of players raising their hands.”

Cricket NSW will prioritize the Washington DC franchise but will also encourage the idea of ​​players playing for other clubs to grow the tournament.

The move is the first by an Australian national governing body, but Cricket NSW has not ruled out pursuing similar partnerships with other overseas teams and leagues.

The ICC has identified the US as the No. 1 developing market for the sport, with part of the men’s Twenty20 World Cup set to be staged there next year.

US players will also be given the opportunity to perform in Grad cricket, with Pathways tours to NSW and coach exchanges to be established.

“Now is the time to help the sport grow in the United States,” Germon said.