New Joint Venture Attempts to Help U.S. Cricket Thrive
December 21, 2010
A new joint venture has been established in an attempt to boost the profile of cricket in the U.S. Podar Holdings International Pte Limited of Singapore and Top Bloom Corporation Limited, have joined with Australian sports marketing firm Insite to become foundation partners of the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) and the Cricket body of New Zealand (NZC).
The companies have joined forces to launch a new venture called Cricket Holdings America (CHA) LLC. The CHA will hold a majority of the commercial rights to cricket in the US.
Commenting on the new venture, USACA President Gladstone Dainty said: “This agreement provides USACA with the ability to grow the game from grassroots to the elite level. It has opened doors for private investment into cricket in America, one of the more exciting new market opportunities for the ICC. Importantly, it will provide a sustainable revenue stream for the development of the game and secondly, we shall be supported by the knowledge and expertise that comes from a full member country like New Zealand.”
He added: “It is also worth noting that the US broadcast market has huge potential. It has historically been the second highest rights payer behind India. By growing cricket in our country we are not only benefitting Cricket Holdings America LLC but all ICC Member nations.”
The ICC has hopes that the new initiative will provide cricket the best opportunity to thrive in the United States.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat advised: “The ICC has long considered the United States as a strategically key market for the growth of the game. We are extremely supportive of the new partnership and their efforts to grow cricket within the United States. We wish them all the best.”