ABOUT USCricket Clubs of
Westchester
Who We Are
Cricket is a sport played all over the world and is a growing sport in the United States. However, Cricket is a sport not popular in Westchester County, NY. Back in January 2019, “Cricket Clubs of Westchester” aka CCW, was created as a way for Cricket players to organize games, tournaments and promote Cricket in Westchester County. CCW hosted “The Westchester Cup” to help Cricket players develop their skills and promote Cricket in the community.
CCW (Cricket Clubs of Westchester, Inc.) is an organization helping Cricket players to develop their skills, promote the sport in the community, organize games and conduct tournaments for Children, Women, Seniors, and Adults through their selfless dedication and level of commitment to bring the community together.
Timeline
CCW organized their first-ever flagship inaugural “The Westchester Cup” at Delfino Park, White Plains in the last week of September. There were 16 teams from all over Westchester County and Connecticut who participated in the tournament. The event was covered by the local news channel “News 12”.
The White Plains Mayor Mr. Thomas Roach graced the event with his presence. He met all participants and pitched the ball as well as did the batting. The office of the county executive, Westchester County, NY recognized “Cricket Clubs of Westchester, Inc.” for their outstanding institution, one that is worthy of the esteem of both the community and the county of Westchester for their vision and leadership.
The team “Invincible” from Hartford, Connecticut won the tournament and clinched the championship title of “The Westchester Cup”. The important thing about this team is the “Father & Son” duo playing in the team.
Timeline
By March 2019, The COVID-19 Pandemic spread across the world. We all know what happened afterward. CCW continuously monitored the situation with the help of so many doctor friends who are passionate about playing Cricket. Thanks to White Plains Parks & Recreation (Mr. Wayne Bass) for their continuous support to allow CCW to conduct “The Westchester Cup” Cricket tournament in the last week of September 2020 with all precautions. CCW left no stone unturned to conduct this event with zero incidents. Also, Indian Cricketers and Bollywood actors provided huge support to CCW to promote “The Westchester Cup” 2020. CCW was able to get Mr. Steve Bucknor, the world-famous umpire for the Westchester Cup. Mr. Bucknor, who umpired five consecutive world cups entertained everyone by showing his moves on Bollywood tune.
CCW clearly knew that they cannot have any audience while the tournament is in play. As the World was changing, so does CCW, and live stream the entire Cricket Tournament. This intelligent and clever step by CCW put a big smile throughout the community because the entire community enjoyed their beloved sport without stepping out of their home. Again, the team “Invincible” from Hartford, Connecticut won the tournament and clinched the championship title of “The Westchester Cup”.
Timeline
Based on last year’s success (despite pandemic) and huge support from the community, CCW has planned many events throughout the year 2021. CCW always wants to take up challenges and take up Cricket as a sport to the next level in the United States. To begin with, CCW published its events calendar on the 1st day of 2021. The following items planned throughout the year.
1) The Super 8 Championship League – 16 teams – May 15th to August 15th
2) The Dostana 15 League – 9 teams – May 15th to – September 19th
3) The Shakti Cup (Women’s Cricket Tournament) – 8 teams – July 10th
4) The Legends Cup (Senior 50+ & Above) – 6 teams – July 10th
5) Kids Cricket Clinic (Collaboration with White Plains, Parks & Recreation) – Age 7 Years to 17 Years
6) The Westchester Cup (Men’s Cricket Tournament) – 24 teams – September 25th & 26th
Challenges
CCW believes in taking up feedback from the community as a challenge and tries to implement it in the best possible ways. However, CCW has limited resources and that is one of the biggest challenges in front of the organization. For example, there are no dedicated grounds for Cricket in Westchester County, NY. Due to which the format of the sport requires modification, and it doesn’t help players to develop their skills properly. Also, softball fields or baseball fields are available for a limited time (weekends, 7 am to 10 am) due to committed time for baseball or softball games.
Resolution
CCW would like to lead the community and work with local and state government to lease land to Cricket Clubs of Westchester, Inc. to develop dedicated Cricket grounds for us to successfully run the above mentioned events, practice by all ages, and gender throughout the year. Westchester County is one of the richest counties in the USA. CCW can help earn revenue by promoting Cricket League like the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India. Westchester county can benefit socially, economically and set an example of Cricket becoming one of the major sports in the USA. CCW’s Vision and Leadership committed to bringing the community together.
About Us
Dr. Ashok Chopra, MD – an internal medicine specialist and currently practices at Mount-Sinai – Riverside Medical Group and affiliated with Mount Sinai Hospital. Very Passionate about Cricket.
Dinkal Patel – By profession, a Computer Science Engineer, currently working as a Manager Data Architect with PayPal Holdings, Inc. Also, President of a not-for-profit organization (Indian American Cultural Association of Westchester) for the year 2021.
