GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Arguably the greatest cricket batsman in the history of the game made a trip to the grounds at the University of Texas at Dallas over the weekend.
Sachin Tendulkar really needs no introduction outside of the United States. The global sportsman is years removed from his playing days but he is just as highly regarded now as he was when he played for the Indian national team.
"It's like a dream come true to see Sachin right in front of you," said a youngster.
As soon as Tendulkar arrived to the grounds the crowd of almost 200 people started chanting his name. Tendulkar is the newest addition as co-owner of the National Cricket League. The league has played its first stretch of matches in North Texas over the last 11 days.
"How can you go wrong when you are on the turf and breathing cricket?," said Tendulkar.
"The NCL is introducing its revolutionary 60 Strikes format—a fast-paced, dynamic version of cricket designed to captivate U.S. sports fans. Combining the excitement of the game with high-energy entertainment, the league has created a fusion of sports and culture like never before," read a statement from the NCL.
North Texas being the host of the tournament is not an accident. Over the last two decades the growth of south Asian families to the area has been exponential, especially in the Collin County area.
"There is a real opportunity to let this sport take root and someday compete with the likes with the other major sports in the U.S." said Haroon Lorgat, Chairman for the league. "I know there's a fair sized community, largely ex-pats that have always played the game," he said.
On Sunday, Tendulkar met with more than a hundred kids who figure to be the future of the sport of cricket. Tendulkar gave tips on batting and we can liken that to Michael Jordan teaching a youngster his patented jumpshot.
"They're keen to play cricket. They are wanting to play cricket. I saw some girls who are technically super," Sachin said.
The National Cricket League here in the U.S. is a glimpse into a now global sport. The Olympics definitely helped bring some exposure and will continue to in 2028.
"Somewhere it has to start," Tendulkar said.
Tendulkar also made visits to the annual Texas-Oklahoma football game as well as Sunday's Dallas Cowboys game against the Detroit Lions.