As South Asians’ favorite game gains popularity in the US, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has joined the National Cricket League’s (NCL) ownership group.

Hailed by fans across the world as the “God of Cricket,” Tendulkar will also present the championship trophy to the winning team at the NCL’s inaugural tournament that kicked off on October 4 at UT Dallas Cricket Stadium, 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 US,’’ said Tendulkar. “The NCL’s vision to create a platform for world-class cricket while inspiring a new generation of fans to resonate with me. I look forward to being part of this new initiative and witnessing the growth of cricket in the US 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 Brazilian Pele’s in soccer or Babe Ruth’s in baseball.”

READ: Startup National Cricket League to kick off at UT Dallas on October 4 (October 1, 2024)

“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 US,” Agarwal stated.

Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy is etched into the very fabric of sports history, standing shoulder to shoulder with icons like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and LeBron James, an NCL press release noted. 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 his pioneering achievement of being the first cricketer to score 200 runs in an ODI are milestones few can dream of, and none can match. When Tendulkar played, entire nations stopped to watch. From bustling streets in Mumbai to quiet villages in England, millions tuned in to witness his greatness. His career was a global celebration of athletic excellence.

The NCL tournament, which continues through October 14, with Bollywood star Mika Singh and features themed nights, bringing a Coachella-like energy.

RELATED: National Cricket League secures ICC approval (September 24, 2024)

This season, 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. The 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, 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 at a fast pace, with the NCL at the forefront.

Tickets available at: NCLCricket.com or SiTickets.com