Questions have surfaced about the standard of pitches, under-developed infrastructure and the basis for market research suggesting the North American cricket market is worth pursuing as a commercial venture for a Twenty20 league, starting midway through next year.
Last week, the Herald on Sunday revealed a tournament similar in structure to the Indian Premier League is targeted to launch in June or July with players being asked to register their interest next month.
Organised by Cricket Holdings America (a company with the United States governing body and New Zealand Cricket as shareholders), the league is targeting six teams based in cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. In an ambitious plan scoped out over 8-10 years, CHA are hopeful of selling the six franchises to investors for a total of up to US$240 million.
However, there are concerns players would not be interested in joining a league where the quality of cricket is compromised. Neil Maxwell, the NZC appointed director on the CHA board, suggested they could play on artificial wickets because at T20 level pitches did not have the same impact on the game and it would offer greater flexibility to stage matches.
However, sources claim the standard of pitches will have a bearing on players signing because, if they are substandard, the cricket will be of lesser quality. Examples included just four sixes and 375 runs being hit on the low, slow wickets prepared for the New Zealand-Sri Lanka T20 series in May 2010 at Fort Lauderdale.