Cricket has always been a soft murmur in the world of touchdowns, slam dunks, and home runs. In a nation addicted to NFL Sundays and NBA playoffs, cricket fought for the spotlight — until now. Bit by bit, the sport is gaining its pace in the United States, fuelled by devoted communities, huge investments, and a flame that could possibly grow into an inferno.
Let's dive in a little closer to how the men's as well as women's national team is making headway in a nation that's just learning the art of covering the drive.
Men's Cricket
Sensational Highs
2019 was when the USA Men's team became ODI graded after being within the top four of the ICC World Cricket League Division Two.
In 2024, the U.S. shocked the world by defeating Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, which they co-hosted with the West Indies. It wasn't a victory — it was a declaration.
Major League Cricket (MLC), which began in 2023, was soon a magnet for global stars and provided U.S. fans with a flavor of world-class T20 action on home turf.
Performance and Progress
Players such as Ali Khan, Steven Taylor, and Monank Patel are no longer local names alone — they're being recognized in leagues across the globe. The team has demonstrated that it can punch above its weight. But consistency is the missing ingredient, as is the case with many emerging teams. One day they're world-beaters, the next they're back to square one.
Challenges
Expatriate Dependence: Most of the best players weren't born in America, creating doubts about the absence of grassroots talent nurturing.
Inconsistency: Big victories are succeeded by big defeats. The team doesn't have the depth and stability required to regularly compete with best nations.
Player Retention: Some players favor franchise leagues over national commitment because of superior financial rewards and exposure.
Women's Cricket
Key Milestones
In 2022, the USA Women's team achieved ODI status, earning crucial recognition globally.
In 2024, they registered their first-ever ODI victory by beating Zimbabwe, with emerging stars such as Geetika Kodali and Anika Kolan at the helm.
Leadership is becoming younger and more fearless, with 18-year-old Aditiba Chudasama becoming captain and spearheading the drive toward a new era.
Development Pathways
Cricket academies in Texas and California are increasing. College and community tournaments are gradually building a system for spotting and developing female talent. But the journey has just started.
Challenges
Lack of Domestic Structure: Without a formal league, most promising players remain unknown.
Less Exposure: The women's side plays hardly any international games, impacting rankings as well as experience.
Support Staff Deficiencies: There is little access to full-time coaches, physio, and analytics personnel.
Cultural Barriers: Cricket remains a male sport in some communities, and many girls are discouraged from taking it seriously.
Opportunities
| Challenge | Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Lack of infrastructure | Private investment via MLC and ICC funding |
| Weak grassroots program | School cricket and development camps are expanding |
| Low visibility | T20 World Cup and MLC bringing media attention |
| Limited player pool | Diverse immigrant base can be a recruitment advantage |
Looking Ahead: A Golden Decade?
USA Cricket isn't there yet — but it's getting closer. The men's and women's teams have already proved they belong. The next step is sustainable development. That means investing in proper domestic structures, growing youth participation, and building fan engagement at the local level.
Plans in the future are to bid for ICC tournaments such as the U-19 World Cup and introducing a women's T20 league such as MLC. Above all, attention must be directed towards long-term development through schools, academies, and community relations.
America is waking up to cricket — slowly, inquiringly, and with increasing passion. With the right leadership, improved infrastructure, and ongoing investment in men's and women's cricket, the United States could transform from underdog to powerhouse. If USA Cricket plays its cards correctly, this could be one of the sport's most thrilling frontiers by 2030.
About the Author
Advait Kadam is a sports writer at Vygr Media, specializing in cricket coverage and match analysis. With a background in Sports Management and a passion for storytelling, he brings sharp insights and fresh perspectives to every game.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr’s views.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
