Mayor of Dallas, TX, announces new cricket venture

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Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson announced Sept. 7, 2023, the launch of a new sports league in Texas, and another cricket team for the city as part of the new venture, National Cricket League (NCL),.

He was joined by NCL CEO Azhar Qasmi, Dallas business executive Arun Agarwal who is serving as NCL chairman and advisor, Haroon Lorgat, former chairman of the International Cricket Council, as well as cricketers and Lollywood and Bollywood celebrities to celebrate the impending Dallas team launch, a press release said.

The NCL also announced the new Dallas headquarters and the league’s first event, a nine-day nonstop cricket tournament taking place in December.

The new NCL aims to introduce the short, fast-paced form of cricket, called “sixty strikes”, to the United States, organizers say. It includes six teams with international players, coaches and mentors from all over the world. They also contend that the ‘sixty strikes’ format has rapidly gained popularity.

“It is my hope that we will be able to cheer on our city’s team in a stadium in Dallas soon. The National Cricket League has my full support as it works to bring the first dedicated cricket stadium to Dallas,” Mayor Johnson is quoted saying in the press release.

“This will be a Dallas team. When we say Dallas, we mean Dallas – not Arlington, not Frisco. We’re proud to create another team to represent our city,” said Agarwal.

The first league tournament will be December 19-29 at Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. In addition to cricket, this nine-day nonstop tournament is expected to feature more than 30 performances from celebrities.

“If you aren’t already one of the 30 million cricket enthusiasts in America, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the sport,” said Mayor Johnson. “Sports present unique opportunities to bring together people of all backgrounds under one roof. They strengthen communities. They generate excitement. And they foster civic and national pride.”