Asian Television Network International Limited (ATN) has acquired broadcast rights for National Cricket League (NCL) 2024, a new league based in Dallas, Texas. The NCL kicked off with six inaugural teams, including one in Dallas.

The season launched Friday, October 4 with matches hosted at University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) Cricket Stadium. Teams from New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and others will compete in the premier tournament, offering a blend of international and local talent.

Dr. Shan Chandrasekar, president and CEO of ATN, says, “We are very excited to bring the first season of NCL on our channels across Canada. Cricket is one of the most popular sports globally and the fastest growing in North America, and the NCL provides an exciting platform for fans in the U.S. and Canada to experience high-quality cricket closer to home.”

The league is expected to draw a diverse fan base, with an exciting mix of star cricketers, celebrity appearances and family-friendly activities planned for match days. The NCL aims to pave the way for cricket’s future in America, creating new opportunities for youth development and community engagement through various initiatives, including coaching clinics, school outreach programs and grassroots tournaments.

The league also announced today that Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “Michael Jordan of Cricket,” has joined the NCL’s ownership group. Although not a household name to many in North America, Tendulkar has an influence on par with sports icons like Jordan, Tom Brady and Tiger Woods.

ATN is Canada’s largest South Asian Broadcaster and a pioneer broadcaster of cricket in Canada. The broadcaster serves Canada’s diverse cultural communities with over 50 specialty TV channels.