The hype and support of cricket in the Pacific Northwest may have real implications here in King County with the help of known cricket fan, former player and current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
During an interview July 30 on the field at the Major League Cricket championship match, the Seattle Orcas co-owner Satya Nadella announced he plans on building a cricket stadium in Washington state.
“We will have one (stadium in Seattle),” the Microsoft CEO said in the interview on WillowTV. “Thanks to all the cricket playing nations and diaspora in Redmond and Seattle. We will have people and we’re really looking forward to having a stadium that we can host all of you guys (MLC) next time around.”
"Old passions in new homes. That's what it's all about." – @satyanadella
Thrilled to have the CEO of Microsoft and co-owner of the @MLCSeattleOrcas at Grand Prairie Stadium tonight 💚🏏🇺🇸 #MajorLeagueCricket #MLCFinal pic.twitter.com/5RRHJYRf2m
— Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 31, 2023
As of right now, Marymoor Park in Redmond is used as a homefield in the Northwest Cricket League. There are three teams in the league that use Marymoor: Microsoft Blues, Greens and Crimsons.
“The U.S. is the sports market of the world and it’s fantastic to see cricket come here. Obviously the diaspora will contribute, but I hope there is a local interest in it,” Nadella said.
The MLC has found success in Texas and North Carolina, with sold out stadiums occurring multiple times over the course of the tournament. People in King County have a real possibility of seeing professional cricket up close and personal.
King County Parks and Recreation confirmed that there is “continuing work with Major League Cricket and the cities of Bellevue and Redmond twoard an agreement to build a permanent cricket facility at Marymoor Park. Something that King County Council endorsed last year, which would also serve the regiond adult cricket leagues and youth cricket programs.” they told the Reporter in a statement.
“While no agreements are in place at this time, we continue to be excited about the future of cricket in King County Parks and in the region.”
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