NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. – September 25, 2026: The American Cricket Council has announced a nationwide initiative aimed at expanding organized cricket in U.S. schools and colleges, with plans encompassing high-performance coaching, coach development, competitions and scholarship opportunities for student-athletes.
The American Cricket Council, or ACC, is headquartered in North Brunswick, New Jersey. The organization says national registration for schools, colleges, cricket academies and individual student-athletes is scheduled to open October 2, 2026.
What the ACC is proposing
The initiative is intended to create a more structured pathway for young cricketers from school-level participation through college competition and advanced training. According to the ACC announcement, the organization wants its framework to draw from the structured approach found in established American scholastic and collegiate sports. Plans include high-performance training, a virtual academy, coach education and inter-school and collegiate competitions. ACC says more detailed tournament formats, program guidelines and scholarship criteria will be released following the formal launch.
The September announcement builds on plans made public earlier this summer. In July, the Cricket Hall of Fame reported that the initiative would include an Inter-School Championship, an Intercollegiate Super Cup and a Super League, along with scholarship opportunities. That earlier announcement said the Intercollegiate Super Cup was targeted for a 2027 launch, initially involving at least 12 teams with capacity to expand.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul to lead high-performance coaching
Former West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul is set to lead the initiative’s high-performance coaching program and Center for Excellence, as well as a training program for coaches, according to the September announcement. Chanderpaul will work alongside multisport coach Jatin Patel and other professional coaches across North America.
Scholarship pathway is part of the plan
Scholarships are another major component of the initiative, although families should note that final criteria have not yet been released. Earlier ACC program information said scholarships would initially prioritize eligible student-athletes at Division I, II and III institutions in the United States and Canada, with academic performance and participation in college cricket among the selection considerations.
The immediate date to watch is October 2, when ACC says national registration will open for schools, colleges, academies and individual student-athletes.
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