Photo Credit: BCCI
The “God of Cricket” brings his legendary status to the NCL as cricket gains popularity in the U.S.
The National Cricket League (NCL) proudly announces that Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “Michael Jordan of Cricket,” has joined the NCL’s ownership group. With an influence comparable to sports icons like Jordan, Tom Brady, and Tiger Woods, Tendulkar’s involvement underscores the NCL’s mission to make cricket a household name in the U.S. Known globally as the “God of Cricket,” Tendulkar will also present the championship trophy to the winning team at the NCL’s inaugural tournament, marking a historic moment for the sport’s rise in America.
“Cricket has been my life’s greatest journey, and I am pleased to join the National Cricket League at such an exciting time for the sport in the U.S.,” said Sachin Tendulkar, regarded as the greatest batsman in the history of cricket. “The NCL’s vision to create a platform for world-class cricket while inspiring a new generation of fans resonates with me. I look forward to being part of this new initiative and witnessing the growth of cricket in the U.S. firsthand.”
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Sachin Tendulkar to the National Cricket League family,” said Arun Agarwal, Chairman of the NCL. “His influence in cricket is comparable to what Pele is to soccer or Babe Ruth to baseball. Sachin’s commitment to the game, along with his global appeal, will be key as we introduce cricket to new audiences in America. His involvement highlights the NCL’s goal to inspire future generations and establish cricket as a major sport in the U.S.”
Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy is etched into the very fabric of sports history, standing alongside icons like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and LeBron James. Over a remarkable 24-year career, Tendulkar didn’t just play cricket—he redefined it. He became the highest run-scorer in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket, cementing his status as the undisputed “God of Cricket.” His astounding 100 international centuries and pioneering achievement of being the first cricketer to score 200 runs in an ODI are milestones few can dream of, and none can match.
While legends like Jordan elevated basketball to global heights and Brady carved out a dynasty in football, Tendulkar’s influence reached beyond cricket fields, inspiring billions worldwide. His presence changed the sport itself, much like Muhammad Ali became an ambassador for boxing or how Tiger Woods revolutionized golf. Tendulkar was not just a player—he was the face of cricket’s rise into a worldwide phenomenon, with his mastery of the game making him a household name far beyond cricket-loving nations.
Yet, it’s not just his statistics that make Tendulkar unparalleled—it’s how he carried cricket on his shoulders. When Tendulkar played, entire nations stopped to watch. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to quiet villages in England, millions tuned in to witness his greatness, much like basketball fans gathered to watch Jordan soar. His career was a global celebration of athletic excellence.
The NCL tournament will open with Bollywood superstar Mika Singh and feature themed nights, bringing a Coachella-like energy. This season, the NCL brings together cricket legends known worldwide—Sunil Gavaskar, Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Venkatesh Prasad, Sanath Jayasuriya, Moin Khan, and Blair Franklin. These cricketing heroes will mentor and coach the next generation of players.
The league will also feature top-tier players from around the world, including Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shakib Al Hasan, Robin Uthappa, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Lynn, Angelo Mathews, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Mohammad Nabi and Johnson Charles.
With its partnership with Sports Illustrated and broadcasting through ESPN, Sony Max, SKY, WFAA, NDTV, Fox Sports, and the NCL Cricket app, the NCL is bringing cricket to over 2.5 billion fans worldwide. As one of the most-watched sports globally, cricket’s footprint in the U.S. is growing rapidly, with the NCL leading the charge.
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Name of Author: National Cricket League
