New Zealand to become first ICC full member to launch a franchise in overseas T20 league
In a groundbreaking move, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has become the first full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to launch a franchise in an overseas T20 league. The national cricket board has partnered with US-based company True North Sports Ventures (TNS) to launch a new Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise, set to debut in the 2027 season.
According to reports, NZC has become a foundation investor in TNS, which is the lead investor in the MLC franchise. This move marks a significant milestone for international cricket, as it marks the first instance of a full ICC member launching a franchise in an overseas T20 league.
The MLC franchise, which has been named NZC’s 12th franchise, will compete in the inaugural season of the MLC, which is expected to feature six teams from the United States and one from New Zealand. The league is expected to start in 2027 and will feature 60 matches, with each team playing 12 matches during the regular season.
The partnership between NZC and TNS is seen as a major coup for the New Zealand cricket board, as it provides an opportunity for the country’s cricketers to play in a high-profile T20 league and gain exposure to a new market. The partnership is also expected to boost the profile of New Zealand cricket and provide a platform for the country’s players to showcase their skills to a global audience.
The move is also seen as a strategic one for NZC, as it provides an opportunity for the country to tap into the growing popularity of T20 cricket in the United States. The MLC is expected to be the first T20 league in the US, and the presence of a New Zealand franchise is expected to attract a significant following from the country’s expatriate community in the US.
The partnership between NZC and TNS is also expected to provide a platform for New Zealand’s cricketers to play alongside some of the best players from around the world. The MLC is expected to feature a mix of international and domestic players, and the presence of New Zealand players is expected to add a new dimension to the league.
The move is also seen as a major boost for the growth of cricket in the United States. The MLC is expected to provide a platform for the development of cricket in the country, and the presence of a New Zealand franchise is expected to attract a significant following from the country’s expatriate community.
The partnership between NZC and TNS is the latest in a series of strategic moves by the New Zealand cricket board to expand the reach of the sport. In recent years, NZC has invested heavily in the development of cricket in the country, and the partnership with TNS is seen as a major step forward in the country’s cricketing journey.
The move is also seen as a major coup for the True North Sports Ventures, which is a US-based company that specializes in sports investments. The company has been involved in several high-profile sports investments in recent years, and the partnership with NZC is seen as a major milestone for the company.
In conclusion, the partnership between NZC and TNS is a major milestone for international cricket, as it marks the first instance of a full ICC member launching a franchise in an overseas T20 league. The partnership provides an opportunity for New Zealand’s cricketers to play in a high-profile T20 league and gain exposure to a new market, and is seen as a major boost for the growth of cricket in the United States.
