The National Cricket League (NCL) is thrilled to announce that legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, often likened to Michael Jordan in his influence, has joined its ownership group. Tendulkar’s involvement solidifies the NCL’s mission to elevate cricket’s status in the U.S., positioning it alongside major sports like basketball and football.
Globally known as the “God of Cricket,” Tendulkar is set to arrive in Dallas this week, where he will present the championship trophy at the NCL's inaugural "Sixty Strikes" tournament, a historic moment in cricket's expansion in America.
Reflecting on his new role, Tendulkar, widely considered the greatest batsman in cricket history, shared that cricket has been his life's greatest passion and that he is excited to join the NCL at this pivotal moment for the sport in the U.S. He expressed that the league’s vision of bringing world-class cricket to new audiences resonates with him, and he is eager to be part of the initiative to inspire a new generation of fans.
Arun Agarwal, Chairman of the NCL, welcomed Tendulkar with enthusiasm, comparing his impact on cricket to the likes of Pele in soccer and Babe Ruth in baseball. Agarwal highlighted that Tendulkar’s global appeal and dedication to the game will be crucial as the NCL seeks to establish cricket as a major sport in America. Tendulkar’s involvement, he said, underscores the league’s goal of inspiring future generations and growing the sport in the U.S.
Tendulkar’s legacy is firmly entrenched in sports history. Over a phenomenal 24-year career, he not only dominated the cricket field but also reshaped the game itself. As the highest run-scorer in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) formats, with 100 international centuries and the first-ever double century in an ODI, Tendulkar’s achievements are unparalleled. His influence, much like that of Michael Jordan in basketball or Tiger Woods in golf, transcends the boundaries of his sport, making him a global icon.
While Jordan revolutionised basketball and Brady built a dynasty in football, Tendulkar’s impact reached far beyond cricket. His presence on the field was so powerful that it brought entire nations to a standstill, from the streets of Mumbai to the villages of England. Millions around the world tuned in to witness his brilliance, just as basketball fans would gather to watch Jordan in his prime. Tendulkar didn’t just play cricket—he transformed it into a worldwide phenomenon.
Adding to the excitement, the NCL’s launch was marked by a vibrant opening ceremony featuring Bollywood superstar Mika Singh and Coachella-style themed nights. This season, the NCL will bring together some of cricket’s greatest legends, such as Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Akram, and Sir Vivian Richards, who will mentor the next generation of players.
In addition, the league will showcase top-tier international talent, including Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Lynn, and Angelo Mathews. With broadcasts through ESPN, Sony Max, Sky, and several other major networks, and a reach of over 2.5 billion fans worldwide, the NCL is leading the charge in expanding cricket’s footprint in the U.S.
As one of the most popular sports globally, cricket is growing rapidly in America, with the NCL positioned at the forefront of this exciting journey.