ARIZONA, MAY 16
Southern California Cricket Association will cross swords with Arizona Cricket Association in the opening match of the American Cricket Championship League in Phoenix on May 18.
The American Cricket Championship League, the first domestic and truly national cricket tournament in the United States was barely a glint in our hopeful eyes two years ago, but on May 18 under the sunny skies over Gilbert, Arizona, that distant dream will turn to reality when the two captains Rodney Cutting (SCCA) and Gopichand Boinepally (AZCA) walk out in the middle for the toss under the watchful gaze of umpires Dwight Williams and Gregory Carraciolo.
In his welcome address ACCL Commissioner chairman Avinash Varma said “that brief moment, I am sure, will forever change the course of American cricket and put the focus back where it belongs – on the American cricketer. 340 players, 17 Leagues, 6 Divisions, and 1 National Champion – Who will it be? I don’t know about you, but I am betting on American Cricket.”
Welcome to ACCL and Good Luck!
Meanwhile, commenting on the ACC League, American Creicket Federation Chief Executive Officer Jamie Harrison described it as “A Beginning and An End.”:
He said “the American Cricket Champions League 2014 season represents both a beginning and an end for cricket in the United States. It is obviously a beginning, as it starts a new era of competition between domestic leagues within a new national playing structure. This new structure is rigid enough to provide context that will make matches significant and their results enduring, and yet flexible enough to allow for parallel T20, U-19 and women’s competitions in the near future.
” However, in another sense, the launch of the 2014 ACCL season marks an end, too. With the first ball bowled on May 18, when the Southern California Cricket Association takes on the Arizona Cricket Association in Phoenix, the era when US cricket drifted aimlessly comes to its blessed conclusion. The days when there were no American cricket heroes for children to look up to, and no hometown teams for fans to cheer on, are finally over.
“On May 18, the ACCL joins the pantheon of American domestic sports leagues, and cricket takes its place solidly within the new sports culture of this great nation. I am humbled and thankful to be a part of this historic moment, and excited at the adventure that awaits us. So, look us over, pick a team to back, find a favorite player or two, and then buckle up.
“Because starting May 18, American cricket will never be the same,” concluded Harrison.”