Sachin Tendulkar honoured with Number 10 jersey by NFL side Dallas Cowboys

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Sachin Tendulkar was honoured by NFL side Dallas Cowboys on Monday, October 14, receiving a custom Number 10 jersey from team owner Jerry Jones.

The jersey, a symbol of Tendulkar's iconic status in cricket, was presented ahead of a game in Houston between the Cowboys and the Detroit Lions, which ended in a 47-9 defeat for the Cowboys.

The felicitation highlighted the growing importance of cricket in American sporting culture, with Tendulkar being among the figures driving up the international impact of cricket. One of the ways cricket has been popularised in North America is the introduction of the National Cricket League (NCL), which is presented as a faster alternative to the preexisting Major League Cricket (MLC).

As a co-owner of the NCL, Tendulkar has played a significant role in introducing cricket to American audiences. The NCL's innovative "Sixty Strikes" format has brought cricket's fast-paced excitement to new fans across the U.S., especially targeting the younger demographic in the country.

Earlier in the day, Tendulkar participated in the NCL's community outreach programme at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he addressed hundreds of young athletes.

"Cricket has given me so much, and being here in Dallas - both teaching these young athletes and receiving this incredible recognition - has been truly humbling," Tendulkar said, as quoted by NDTV.

"Inspiring these kids and sharing my journey with them has been incredibly fulfilling. I want them to know that with dedication, passion, and belief, they can achieve anything - whether on the cricket field or in life," he added.

The NCL, featuring cricket legends such as Shahid Afridi, Shakib Al Hasan, and Angelo Mathews, has rapidly become a premier cricket event in the United States. Former Indian stars like Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik are also a part of the tournament.

Supported by the ICC and sponsored by SEE Holdings, the NCL has also brought in mentors like Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Akram, and Sir Vivian Richards to mentor players. The National Cricket League 2024 started on Monday (October 14) and will end on November 28, 2024.