The expected inclusion of cricket at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 has been followed up by the announcement of the inaugural edition of the American Premier League (APL).
The tournament has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council and approved by USA cricket and will be played in the T20 format. The entirety of the inaugural edition is set to be hosted at Moosa Cricket Stadium in Texas between December 19 and 31.
Seven teams are set to take part in the the debut edition of APL – Premium Indians, Premium Paks, Premium Aussies, Premium Afghans, Premium Windies, Premium Americans and Premium Canadians.
“American Premier League will prove to be a milestone in USA cricket, where opportunity meets talent,” said Jay Mir, founder of the league. “There are over 40 international cricketers participating in the league.”
Former ICC media manager Lara Richards said: “America is a new hotspot in world cricket, and we are very excited to be associated with American Premier League.”
Marron Media holds the exclusive rights for APL. The organisers are looking to the tournament being broadcast live on television & OTT platforms in India, Australia, USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean & MENA countries.
The arrival of APL means that there will be two franchise based T20 leagues vying for the attention of American citizens. The much higher profile Major League Cricket (MLC) completed its inaugural edition on July 30.
Six teams representing major US cities participated in the inaugural edition. Reliance-owned MI New York (sister franchise of IPL team Mumbai Indians) won the 2023 edition of the US T20 league, defeating Seattle Orcas.
