Seattle, a city known for its iconic sports teams, is now witnessing the rise of a new sporting sensation – the Seattle Orcas. This cricket team is not just any ordinary franchise; they are on a mission to carve out a legacy in Major League Cricket and beyond.
The Orcas have set their sights high, aiming to become ‘America’s Team’ in the Major League Cricket (MLC) circuit. Despite being a small market team, they have already made waves by reaching the finals in MLC’s debut season in 2023. In a league dominated by franchises from major cities like Los Angeles and New York, the Orcas are putting Seattle on the global cricket map.
As cricket gains popularity in the United States, Seattle emerges as a strategic location for its growth. The city’s diverse population, including a significant South Asian demographic attracted to tech industries, provides a solid fan base for the sport. The enthusiastic support from fans across the Pacific Northwest has earned them the endearing nickname – the ‘Pod Squad’.
According to Soma Somasegar, co-owner of the Orcas,
“We absolutely want to activate the community and grow the sport across the region.”
The team’s vibrant colors reflecting those of orca whales add to their appeal as they strive to ignite passion for cricket not only in Seattle but also in neighboring cities like Portland and Vancouver.
Despite their early success, challenges lie ahead for the Orcas. Plans for a dedicated home ground at Marymoor Park are underway but face bureaucratic delays. The hope of hosting games at prestigious events like the Los Angeles Olympics remains on hold as logistical issues persist.
Somasegar acknowledges these hurdles but remains optimistic about cricket’s future in America. Drawing parallels with soccer’s journey to popularity over four decades, he believes that cricket, with its existing passionate following of millions, is poised for growth. As part of Seattle Sounders’ ownership group in Major League Soccer, he brings valuable insights into building sports franchises from scratch.
With an eye on 2028 Los Angeles Olympics where cricket will be showcased once again after more than a century-long hiatus from this prestigious event – Somasegar sees potential for massive growth once infrastructure is firmly established across all MLC teams.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await developments on and off-field for Seattle Orcas’, one thing is certain – their journey is just beginning amidst hopes of establishing themselves as pioneers of cricket culture in America.
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