American Premier League (APL) Cricket

Background of American Premier League

America has followed baseball like a fetish but it hasn’t even smelt the cricketing leather. This makes the effort of Jay Mir all the more enterprising. He is the CEO of American Sports and Entertainment Group. Inc and his belief is shining through the soul of APL. For many, Jay Mir is a man who is going to make a lot of money if the tourney succeeds but a lot less mull over the logistic issues that he needs to tackle to put something like this on board.

APL has been making noises and not only for the right reason. First, the league is unauthorized and would run as the American rebel league in the eyes of ICC. This stance of ICC has been duplicated by the ECB too. It has already warned county players against playing for the American League.

In its budding stages yet, and almost half a year prior to the inaugural edition, APL has already packed big cricketing stars of past. It may not have the Peterson’s and the Flintoff’s but it surely boasts of Klusener, Astle, Martin and the likes. APL has signed Richard Hadlee for a three-year deal.

He will be designated as the Executive Consultant. Richie Richardson will don two mantles. He will be chief recruiter along with being Premium West Indies Coach. All the matches will be played at the Staten Island Venue and a minor league baseball stadium is set to be converted for the APL mega circus.

APL would start on the 6th of October and run all the way through the league to the semi final phase slated for 21st of October. It will be followed by a “best of three finals”. Premium Bangladesh will commence the inaugural edition against premium Pakistan. Other teams in the fray include Premium West Indies, Premium America, premium World and Premium India.

Jay Mir has already suggested that APL would be an “A Cricket Revolution in America” and “A Cricket Festival like None Other”. Given his past we would much rather believe him, as the man is not known to talk through his hat. APL is certainly going to bring a lot of cheers to the South Asian community of America that is parched in terms of watching stadium action.

After the failure of an identical (though far more small-time) venture in 1990’s, and USA’s bid-cancellation for hosting a match in 2007 world cup, we can only keep our fingers crossed.  Also, lets hope that Jay Mir does not turn out to be an Allen Stanford.

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