Grace Hayden, the 23-year-old daughter of Australian Test cricket legend Matthew Hayden, is leading a bold push to take cricket into one of its biggest untapped markets – America.
Set to host a new weekly video podcast called Game On With Grace, she will aim to introduce cricket to a broader U.S. audience through engaging stories, conversations, and personalities.
The show will stream on Willow, the premier cricket network in the United States, known for its 24-hour cricket coverage across the country.
Cricket has long struggled to gain traction in the US, but Grace’s podcast signals a modern, media-savvy approach to breaking through in a competitive sporting landscape.
She hopes to bridge the gap between the cricketing world and American viewers by showcasing the sport’s energy, global appeal and human stories.
Grace’s father, Matthew Hayden, was one of Australia’s most dominant opening batsmen, playing 103 Tests and scoring over 8000 runs.
Grace Hayden is launching a new podcast to help grow cricket’s reach across the United States
The daughter of Matthew Hayden is stepping into the spotlight with a weekly cricket show for American viewers
Game On With Grace will stream weekly on Willow, America’s premier cricket broadcasting network
Her debut guest will be Adam Gilchrist, a fellow Australian cricket great and one of the most iconic wicketkeeper-batsmen in history.
Together, Gilchrist and Hayden helped Australia dominate world cricket in the early 2000s, and now their legacy continues through Grace and her groundbreaking podcast.
‘Game On is about pulling back the curtain on the world of sports’ untold stories,’ Grace said.
‘I grew up in cricket’s front row and have covered its biggest tournaments, but the moments that fascinate me most happen off camera.
‘Partnering with Willow allows me to share those raw, funny, and inspiring conversations with athletes, artists, and anyone chasing greatness.
‘I can’t wait to bring these stories to fans each week on the Willow app and wherever they listen to podcasts.’
While cricket is already gaining some ground in the US with the launch of Major League Cricket, Grace’s podcast adds a much-needed storytelling and cultural dimension.
By combining star power, youthful energy, and cross-cultural connection, she hopes to play a vital role in making cricket resonate with a new American audience.
Grace Hayden hopes to connect new fans with cricket through stories, interviews, and global cricket legends
Her first guest is Adam Gilchrist, who played alongside her father during Australia’s cricketing golden era
‘Launching Willow’s first original series is an important step in expanding how we serve and grow the cricket community,’ Willow chief executive Todd Myers said.
‘Grace’s knowledge of the game, combined with a confident on-screen presence, makes her a uniquely powerful and authentic voice as the host of Game On with Grace.
‘This podcast will bring authenticity, energy, and a fresh voice that will resonate with both long-time cricket fans and newcomers alike.’
The USA has long been viewed as the final frontier for the sport, even though it played a significant role in cricket’s birth.
Major League Cricket, a professional T20 league launched in 2023, has brought global attention to the sport in the United States and is backed by high-profile figures like Ricky Ponting, Pat Cummins and Faf du Plessis.
The league features international stars and growing domestic talent, giving American fans a taste of world-class cricket in their own backyard.
Interest in the game surged further when the United States co-hosted the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, bringing major matches to cities like New York, Dallas, and Lauderhill.
Though cricket was once prominent in North America – with the first-ever international match played between the USA and Canada in 1844 at St George’s Cricket Club in New York – the region eventually turned its passion toward baseball.
