Cricket: Blacks Caps poised to play in US

Black Cap batsman Martin Guptill and his teammates could soon be wearing the famous black strip in the US state of Florida. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand are poised to play cricket internationals in the United States this year following a series of discussions between administrators from both countries.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan today confirmed a "strategic partnership" had been formed with USA Cricket (USACA) which would be of commercial benefit to both parties and that progress had accelerated in recent times.

It is likely the New Zealand team will play a series of three games against Sri Lanka in Lauderhill, Florida in late May following the Twenty20 cricket World Cup hosted by the West Indies.

"Over the past months, we have advanced discussions with USA Cricket regarding the structure of our relationship, and both parties are very happy with how this is taking shape," Vaughan said in a statement.

"We are looking to help introduce cricket to a wider audience, and to attract new investment into the sport. It is widely accepted there is significant commercial opportunity for cricket within the USA market, and the introduction such investment would greatly assist the overall development and growth of cricket in the USA, which would be great for the game throughout the world."

Vaughan stressed the games against Sri Lanka were not yet confirmed but was "optimistic" they would take place.

"It would be a real first for cricket in the USA to stage this series and a great way for New Zealand Cricket to launch our partnership with USA Cricket."

USACA chief executive Donald Lockerbie emerged from meetings in Dubai happy that the first series of games to be played in the US between two full member ICC countries was likely to go ahead.

The partnership with NZC was being structured to encourage commercial enterprise, develop major cricket events and secure external investment opportunities to fund the growth of cricket in the United States.

"We are experiencing increasing demand for 'Destination USA' cricket events from many Full Member ICC countries and the Sri Lanka versus New Zealand series will bring -- as forecasted -- world class cricket to the USA," Lockerbie said.

"The USA national team will also participate in warm-up matches for the full members. Through the strategic collaboration with NZC, we now have the additional administrative support and knowledge base to be able to commercialise these opportunities and ultimately grow the revenue streams from one of the world's largest advertising markets."

The Pakistan national team is already planning to tour the US later this year, with the USACA having offered to host a series between them and India.

There have also been reports of Indian Premier League Twenty20 matches being played in the US.

- NZPA