Vijay Srinivasan, co-founder of Major League Cricket, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Major League Cricket is thrilled to welcome Cognizant as our title sponsor, starting with season two of MLC this summer.”
The multi-year partnership aims to fuel the continued growth of cricket in America, with Srinivasan adding, “This multi-year partnership will help enable the continued growth of MLC and cricket in America as this new era in the United States for the world’s second-largest sport continues to bloom.”
Ravi Kumar S, Chief Executive Officer of Cognizant, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Cognizant is excited to support Major League Cricket’s vision, inspiring the next generation of cricket players.”
Highlighting the broader objectives of the partnership, Ravi Kumar mentioned, “Our extended relationship with MLC will help us create deeper connections with our clients and associates, while giving back to the communities where we work and play through outreach and education to help invite historically excluded groups into sports and technology.”
The sponsorship of Major League Cricket adds to Cognizant’s diverse sports sponsorship portfolio, which includes associations with PGA, LPGA, Aston Martin Formula 1 (AMF1) team, SailGP, and the English Football Association. The move reflects Cognizant’s commitment to showcasing the intersection of sports and technology while promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The announcement coincides with the return of Major League Cricket for its second season, slated to commence on July 4.
The league promises an electrifying display of talent, with renowned cricketers such as Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (MI New York), South Africans Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings), Marco Jansen (Washington Freedom) and Quinton de Kock (Seattle Orcas), Pakistan’s Haris Rauf (San Francisco Unicorns) and Sunil Narine (LA Knight Riders) of the West Indies set to grace the field.
The success of MLC’s inaugural season in 2023, characterized by sold-out matches and a surge in fan engagement, has set the stage for further expansion. Matches for the 2024 season will be held at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, with additional venues to be announced soon.
The partnership between Major League Cricket and Cognizant marks a significant milestone in the journey to establish cricket as a prominent sport in the United States, promising growth, excitement, and opportunities for players and fans alike.
