No, I'm not a cricket fan. They play way too many matches (domestic, international) and after a while its just too much for me, anyway. Also, recently they've come up with a 20/20 format (20 overs, 6 balls per over) that is very explosive (given the time constraints) with big hits etc. That is currently the big craze right now. The creation of leagues like the IPL (along the lines of the NFL, NHL) has only complicated matters because this means MORE cricket, divided fan loyalties, teams with international players.
You mentioned players switching teams in US pro-sports. This is going to happen in cricket as well. Already we have a number of Australian, English etc players in the Indian leagues.... a 'former foes, friends now' phenomena. At the end of the day, its all about money
India v Pakistan is way bigger than Red Sox / Yankees. People were fanatical about those games because of a deep-rooted national enmity. However things have cooled down a bit and an India-Pakistan match doesn't evoke the same reactions one might have observed during previous decades. Also, in the 20/20 IPL league, you'll find Indian and Pakistani players on the same team, so things are all good now
Trust me, cricket is NOT hard to follow. You guys are able to keep track of football plays (and codes), formations, run routes, option plays etc. etc. ... believe me, cricket is a piece of cake during a walk in the park
One of the things I love about football is the 'seasonal' nature of the game. You don't have teams playing one another every day and every month all year long. The off season makes you wish September came around sooner and when it does, its a whole new season - different rosters, coaching changes, strategies etc.
Somehow I get the feeling that a new Patriots-Dolphins rivalry would unfold in the near future what with the Tuna over in Miami and all that...
Edit: Hey, I think this might interest you guys... recently one of the cricket teams brought in cheerleaders from the Washington Redskins squad and a big controversy erupted because they were scantily clad, were gyrating too much... the moral police got a chance to come out in full droves and save the day!!!