Player regulations, on-field standards among United States' National Cricket League's various concerns

The National Cricket League (NCL) in the United States, following last year's American Premier League, has not had a promising start. The NCL's launch has witnessed a series of issues that question maintaining international standards and operational integrity. 

One of the concerns is the violation of International Cricket Council (ICC) sanctioning laws. The ICC requires that teams field a minimum of seven domestic or associate players in their starting lineups, a rule that the NCL has repeatedly failed to meet. This error is particularly troubling given that former ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat is the league's commissioner.

Furthermore, the league is potentially violating U.S. immigration laws. Professional athletes typically require specific visas to participate in American tournaments, a process that can cost up to USD 6,000 per player. However, there are allegations that the NCL may have allowed some players to enter the country on tourist visas to cut costs, potentially exposing these athletes to legal risks.

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NCL is actively seeking investment from local cricket fans to stay relevant: Reports

On-field conditions have also fallen short of expectations. Players have voiced complaints about the quality of the pitch, with reports of unpredictable bounce and uneven surfaces. The situation deteriorated to the point where teams were advised to rely solely on spin bowling, as fast bowlers were deemed too dangerous for batters.

The economic viability of the NCL is another area of concern. With no paid broadcasting deal and minimal fan attendance, the league appears to be struggling to generate revenue. Reports suggest that the NCL is actively seeking investment from local cricket fans to stay relevant.

Despite these challenges, the NCL has attempted to boost its profile by bringing cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Viv Richards, and Wasim Akram as ambassadors. The recent announcement of Sachin Tendulkar as one of the league's owners is set to expand the league.