INTERVIEW: Don Lockerbie

Overview

The interview discusses efforts to grow international cricket in the United States, positioned as part of a broader “Destination USA” push to attract top teams and demonstrate that the US is “open for business” in cricket.

Key Points

Cricket Infrastructure and Growth Plans

• The speaker highlights a dedicated cricket stadium in North America.
• With temporary upgrades, it could eventually host up to ~20,000 people.
• This weekend’s goal is to build momentum with a projected attendance of roughly 5,000–8,000 seats per game.
• Success is intended to encourage more teams touring later.

Strategic Partnership with New Zealand Cricket

A major theme is the long-running strategic partnership with New Zealand Cricket (Black Caps), formally beginning in November 2009.

The partnership is described as beneficial for:

• Coaching support for the Under-19 and senior men’s programs
• Sharing resources and improving practices in governance, organization, and coaching
• Building a long-term commercial relationship, with the current event framed as an initial, quickly arranged attempt due to the teams being in the Caribbean

Broadcast and International Exposure

• The event is expected to reach a global audience, with ESPN lined up for worldwide broadcast.
• Fans in New Zealand can watch live.
• It is also described as the first time live cricket is being shown in the US, aiming to broaden the sport’s visibility.

US Cricket Fanbase and Participation Estimates

The speaker estimates that:

• The US has ~15 million cricket fans, largely driven by a significant heritage/community population (including communities such as West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, English, Australian, and Kiwi)
• There are about:
  • ~200,000 recreational players on an average weekend
  • ~30,000 full members in cricket associations
• There are over 1,000 cricket clubs across the 50 states, and the sport is growing year over year.

Presenters / Contributors

• Don Lockerbie