(The following piece is written by Satya Nadella, Microsoft Chairman and CEO and MLC Franchisee by the co-owner of Seattle orcas).For cricket fans around the world, this is an exciting moment – a drumbate resonates in continents.England’s visit to India again saw the sunshine and re -seen memories of timely rivals. Australia’s clash with the West Indies echo the Caribbean Flair and Bagi Green Grit.And here in the United States, Major League Cricket (MLC) grows in its knockout round, a new chapter is being written on unfamiliar soil. Women’s cricket is blooming, and young academies go through the energy of yesterday’s stars.
As a boy growing up in Hyderabad, cricket was not just a game – it was the rhythm of life. I remember that the dusty matting wickets of the Deccan plateau, a chalk-drain stump on the compound walls. I bowled off-spin through my school and college years, dreaming of playing professionally.But when cricket shook my soul, the computer quietly captured my mind.Even today, I was lost in the romantic poem of the game. There is a novel in cricket motion – participate in its depths, participate in his grace. Each over is a verse, and each innings is a chapter. The drama glows slowly, then blooms everyone at once. A single adventurous stroke or trio of clever delivery can tilt the story, such as a plot twist you never saw.
From cricket, I have prepared three permanent principles. First, to compete fiercely, even when the obstacles are long and the crowd is silent. Second, to keep someone’s team above someone’s self-for centuries and five-for faded, but a comradery is a permanent victory. And third, to lead with clarity and conviction, knowing that the leadership is less about comand and more about consistency.
Satya Nadella
In ‘Netherlands’, Joseph O’Neel grabbed this magic: 11 players moving towards the batsman, retrieved, repeatedly, “a recurrence of the pulmonary rhythm, such as the field breathes through its bright visitors.” This image is not with me, not only as a fan, but as a leader. This reminds me that great teams breathe together.From cricket, I have prepared three permanent principles.First, to compete fiercely, even when the obstacles are long and the crowd is silent.Second, to put someone’s team on top of itself, because centuries and five-for faded, but the comradi is a permanent win.And third, to lead with clarity and conviction, knowing that the leadership is less about the command command and more about consistency.In Microsoft, our mission and culture serve as our northern star, which guides every decision we made. We try to manufacture technology that is a democratic force, which empowers every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
In the cricket world, our ownership of Seattle orkas in MLC lies in equal values. Now in our third season, we have seen Triumph and Heartbreak – reaching the finals in a year, navigating failures in two and three years. That is the game. This is life. What matters how you answer.I have once happy for Orcas with an enthusiasm reserved for my Hyderabad Ranji team. Because when the game meets the house, it becomes some holy. It becomes ours.As a technologist, I am excited about how innovation can affect the game. The thrill of a perfect cover drive or a toe-clock-core yorker will always be, but behind the curtain, will elevate both tech players and fans.
Seattle orcas player during a major league cricket match. (Sportzpics)
Microsoft’s partnership with England and Wales Cricket Board is a case – using data and AI to increase sports, add communities and inspire generations. And with the company of Indian legend Anil Kumble, Spacecom, we are doing engineering combination with elegance. Censors, cameras and cloud intelligence now decodes the art of batting in real time, transforming every shot into a story.Cricket roots in America last deeply compared to many feelings. George Washington played ‘wickets’ with his soldiers. Ranjitsinhji led an English team in the 19th century. So perhaps what we are seeing is not novelty, but returns.
Seattle orcas team for 2025 Major League cricket. (Sportzpics)
South Asian migrant is not importing cricket, remembering that world -class cricket is revived on American shores.This is just the beginning. Willow’s whisper, crowd roar, Hush before a final ball – these moments are getting new homes, new hearts. And I, for one, can’t wait to see where the game goes forward.
