Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar is set to mentor one of the six teams competing in the inaugural Sixty Strikes Tournament, which kicks off on October 4 in Texas.
The University of Texas at Dallas is teaming up with the National Cricket League USA to host this 10-day event, featuring six teams from around the globe. The tournament will see participation from renowned cricketers 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.
Alongside Vengsarkar, other mentors include Zaheer Abbas, while legendary players Vivian Richards and Sanath Jayasuriya will serve as coaches.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed pride in hosting the Sixty Strikes Tournament, highlighting the state's recent involvement in cricket, including the first T20 Cricket World Cup held in the U.S. earlier this year. He noted that Texas, with its ties to Major League Cricket and the National Cricket League USA, is at the forefront of cricket’s expansion across the nation.
The Sixty Strikes event will introduce a fast-paced 60-ball format, known for its power-hitting and high scores. These quick, action-packed matches, lasting around 90 minutes, encourage aggressive play and allow players to showcase their talents.
UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson remarked that cricket is popular within the university community, making the partnership with NCL USA a natural fit. He expressed enthusiasm about hosting alumni and supporters, while also introducing new audiences to the university.
James B. Milliken, chancellor of The University of Texas System, described UT Dallas, with its diverse international student body and the Comets Cricket Club, as an ideal location for NCL USA’s debut season.
NCL USA chairman Arun Agarwal called the event a "groundbreaking moment for cricket in the U.S.," emphasising its potential to attract a broad American audience. By blending world-class cricket with top-tier entertainment, Agarwal believes Sixty Strikes will significantly raise the sport's profile in North Texas.
In preparation for the tournament, UT Dallas will undergo several "facility enhancements," including improvements to the cricket field and the addition of lighting.