Where Internationals Play, Part 3: Cricket

Cricket. If there’s one sport Americans know about, but have never really taken to, it seems to be cricket. Impossible rules; perplexing layout; matches that take more than one day; stopping for sandwiches...The reality, of course, is much different. Cricket is one of the most popular games in the world, with a massive and loyal following in a huge variety of countries – Britain (of course), Australia, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, South Africa, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand are some of the top cricketing nations, but almost every country on earth plays the game. Including the US.Cricket in New York has a surprisingly long history. The New York Times of the 1900s reported cricket scores with the same exactness and regularity as its modern day descendant does baseball. Immigrants brought the game with them from the Caribbean, Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka - when they came, so did cricket.  Today the game enjoys a larger following than ever, and though immigrant communities used to have to watch Cricket World Cup matches on late night screenings in theaters (such was the apathy of U.S. television networks), the sport now has a strong and growing fan base in NYC.It’s no baseball – not yet, at least – but the Department of Education now finances cricket teams in high schools, and New York is currently the only public school system in the country to offer competitive cricket.  NYC has six active cricket leagues and a whole new world for you to explore.If you’re new to the game, you can find a beginner’s guide to the rules of play at Cricket Rules. And in New York, it’s not just selected high schoolers who have a chance to try out this truly international game! Below are just some of the fields and teams from around the city.Sunrise Cricket ClubBased in Queens, and founded in 1989, Sunrise Cricket Club is a truly international team. It began when the Caribbean Sports Club of Toronto wanted to do a New York City tour and needed a host club. The club boasts several West Indies Test players among its past and current ranks, and even Guyanese national players are involved.  The club’s goal is simple: “The promotion of cricket throughout North America and upholding the tradition of excellent sportsmanship.” They’re also committed to playing in Guyana for the Americas Cricket Cup, in Bermuda for the Atlantic Cup, and in Canada for the Ranji Memorial Trophy. Fans are always encouraged to travel along and attend matches. You can find out more info on their website.Staten Island Cricket ClubThe Staten Island Cricket Club, founded in 1872, has the honor of being the oldest continuously operating cricket club in the U.S. From its grounds in Walker Park players from around the world – currently including England, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Ireland, Grenada, Guyana, and Jamaica – continue to build upon this impressive legacy. Enthusiasts from all backgrounds and abilities are welcome to get involved. The club is regularly a part of the Philadelphia International Cricket Festival and undertakes tours in England, Canada, Trinidad and Florida. In the summer, friendly matches are played on Saturdays and league cricket, in the New York Metropolitan League, on Sundays. On Saturdays, the club holds junior cricket practice at 9 a.m. for six to seventeen year olds.Atlantic Cricket ClubFounded in 1964, Atlantic Cricket Club is proud to be a microcosm of international sport right here in New York City. With players from Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, England, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Pakistan, St. Vincent, and Trinidad & Tobago, its international credentials couldn’t be much higher, and it’s easy to see why the club’s motto is “more than just cricket.” Atlantic Cricket Club plays at grounds throughout New York, focusing on the New York metropolitan area.Hoboken Cricket ClubAlthough it is a New Jersey club, the Hoboken Cricket Club is nevertheless one of the premier social cricket clubs in the Tri-State area and certainly worth mentioning. Hoboken was the site of an international match between the U.S. and Canada as far back as 1853, and the Hoboken Cricket Club is a founding member of the Millennium Cricket League. Since 2006, however, the focus has shifted to social cricket – which means lots of friendly matches! Attending Indian and Australian Test matches adds international flavor. New members are welcome – a season’s membership is $120.Though there are currently 16 public cricket fields spread throughout the five boroughs of NYC, Van Cortlandt Park is worth a special mention. League play and official games use the pitch and it’s a great opportunity to see firsthand how much fun cricket can be.  This beautiful park also happens to have the oldest public golf course in the U.S., and is minutes away from Upper Manhattan on the subway.For all things cricket in New York, NewYorkCricket.com is a fantastic resource of news, league information, insider columns, profiles, and interviews.  The United States of America Cricket Association is also worth looking into for information on getting into cricket, the game’s organization, and regional activities.Article updated November 25, 2014