Exclusive | Cricket’s future in the US: Adobe CEO pushes for Soccer-like ‘farm system’ – CNBC TV18

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen engaged in a candid discussion during an exclusive CNBC-TV18 interview at the Adobe campus in San Jose, California. Topics ranged from the company’s exceptional performance in Q2 to sports, cricket, and the transformative role of AI in shaping the future.

Reflecting on the sport’s growth trajectory, Narayen reminisced about significant events, such as the World Cup match held in New York, emphasising its profound impact on Indian tech leaders in America, including himself and Satya Nadella, who are actively promoting cricket’s expansion.

“I’ve been fortunate to attend many major sporting events like tennis and the Super Bowl, but watching the World Cup cricket in New York with my son was unparalleled,” Narayen recalled. “It was a moment that captivated every Indian CEO I knew, whether they watched live or in person.”

Narayen highlighted the need for a robust development system similar to soccer’s success in the US, remarking, “I don’t think we have a sufficient farm system here for cricket. Just like Major League Soccer has passionate fans, we too have passionate cricket fans. The challenge lies in nurturing that grassroots support.”

In sports, particularly in baseball and other North American sports, a “farm system” refers to a network of minor league teams affiliated with a central league team. Its purpose is to develop young players, give them experience, and prepare them for promotion to the major league.

He praised cricket for its ability to unite people globally, transcending cultural barriers and generating enthusiasm among diverse communities. Narayen also addressed the “Hyderabad mafia” stereotype within cricket, referring to a collective effort to popularise the sport in the US through initiatives like Major League Cricket and his involvement with the San Francisco Unicorn team.

The term “Hyderabad mafia” refers informally to a group of influential individuals, often originating from Hyderabad, India, who have gained prominence in specific fields or industries, particularly in the tech sector. It does not denote any criminal activity but highlights the collective influence and networking within a particular community or group.

“We share a deep love for cricket and are committed to championing its growth,” Narayen affirmed, mentioning preparations for the second season of Major League Cricket with the San Francisco Unicorns. “It’s an exciting endeavor.”

In closing, Narayen expressed optimism about cricket’s future in the US, noting, “Sport brings together people like no other activity. Now we aim to succeed in the upcoming matches, including the India-Australia match, which unfortunately coincides with a board meeting, but I’ll sneak a look now and then.”

Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: 5 matches of Super 8 stage that you should not miss