The National Cricket League (NCL) offered students at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) a preview of the game of cricket ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 Sixty Strikes Tournament, which the university will host next month. UTD students had the chance to meet NCL coaches and leadership during a pop-up sports event, generating excitement for the tournament.
Aryan Badhak, a sophomore studying Computer Science and a member of UTD’s Comet Cricket Club (CCC), was among many students eager to try their hand at cricket. Originally from India, Badhak shared how he grew up playing the sport daily and expressed his enthusiasm for cricket’s potential growth in the U.S.
“We don’t get much international cricket here in the U.S., so having it come to UTD and, by extension, to the U.S. will be amazing for the sport’s growth,” Badhak commented.
UTD Director of Alumni Matt Winser echoed that excitement, saying, “We’re thrilled to host one of the first major cricket arenas in the U.S. right here at UT Dallas. Our diverse student body, including many international students, will love seeing cricket gain traction in the U.S., and we’re excited to be part of it.”
Set to take place from October 4 to 14, the tournament is expected to attract thousands of spectators and millions of online viewers. Meanwhile, construction of a dedicated cricket stadium is underway near the campus, located at the corner of University Parkway and Campbell Road in Richardson. NCL chairman Arun Agarwal worked with UTD’s Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Dr. Kyle Edgington, to bring the venue to life.
Dallas-based coach Mohsin Khan, who has long supported cricket in the DFW area through volunteer clinics, praised the NCL’s impact on the sport’s visibility in the city.
“This is a game-changer for Dallas,” Khan said. “Cricket has been in the shadows, but now, thanks to NCL and its partnership with UTD, the sport has a real platform.”
Ashfia Salmemin, UTD staff member and adviser to the Bangladeshi Student Organisation, also shared her excitement, having grown up playing cricket in Bangladesh. She expressed gratitude to the NCL for bringing cricket to UTD, calling it a wonderful opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to get involved and see cricket legends in action.
One legend Salmemin looks forward to meeting is Pakistani cricket icon Shahid Afridi. “He’s the man of my dreams,” she joked. “Even my husband knows that, so when Afridi arrives, I’ll be running to meet him.”
The tournament will feature themed nights, including events that raise awareness about domestic violence and honour veterans and public health service heroes. UTD Alumni Night, scheduled for October 10, offers a student discount using the code "UTstu" for 10% off tickets.
With over 2.5 billion fans worldwide, cricket is one of the most-watched sports globally. Khan highlighted the sport’s values, saying, “Cricket teaches discipline, leadership, camaraderie, and friendship. It truly brings out the best in people.”
The NCL tournament will kick off with a performance by Bollywood star Mika Singh, promising a Coachella-like atmosphere. This season, NCL will also bring together cricket legends such as Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Sir Vivian Richards, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Venkatesh Prasad, who will mentor up-and-coming players.
In addition to legendary mentors, top international stars like Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Lynn, and Dinesh Karthik will compete in the tournament.
The NCL has partnered with major broadcasters like ESPN, Pluto TV, SKY, TNT, and Fox Sports to deliver live coverage of the event, allowing fans from around the world to enjoy the action.