It is Official, the first legitimate School Cricket Program in the United States
On April 2, 2008, when the first ball was bowled in the cricket match between Newcomers High School and John Adams High School, it became official, the first legitimate School Cricket Program in the United States got underway.
The students in New York City public schools demanded it (cricket) and the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) officials responded in kind.
The landscape for Cricket in America will forever change, for the better, because of the New York City PSAL Cricket Program. A better script could not have been written for cricket in American schools. Simply put, you will not find a better organized or managed program anywhere in the cricketing world.
Each team has a roster of twenty-two players. Team rosters are posted on the PSAL Website ( www.psal.org) before the season starts. Each player has their name and a number printed on his/her shirt. It is mandatory that students use their cricket uniforms when playing.
Newcomers High School opening batsmen
Now for the most amazing part of the PSAL schools cricket program, both coaches for the Newcomers HS and John Adams HS match have made the transition from Basketball coach and Soccer coach, respectively. These coaches may not be true “cricket coaches”; however they are bringing their expertise in sports management to the game of cricket – something that is much needed.
CHRISTINA CAVALIERE (Newcomers HS) became the first female to coach a cricket team in the United States and when the last wicket fell for John Adams HS, she became the first female coach to win a cricket game in the United States.
HECTOR ALEX NAVARRETE, the Coach of John Adams HS, is another special story. Hector is new to cricket as well, but watching him on the sidelines (beyond the boundary) one would think that Hector grew up playing cricket.
Coaches HECTOR ALEX NAVARRETE (Left) and CHRISTINA CAVALIERE (Right)
I can truly say that I saw a real cricket match between two high school teams -- there is no shortage of talent at this level. In what is considered and upset, Newcomers HS defeated John Adams HS by 15 runs at Basiley Park, Queens. Newcomers batted first and made 89 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted overs (20). In reply, John Adams made 74 runs all-out in 18 overs.
In the other game played at Baisley Park #2, tournament favorites, Richmond Hill HS, crushed Aviation HS by 86 runs. Batting first, Richmond Hill HS scored 151 for the loss of 2 wickets in their 20 overs. Aviation HS only managed to score 65 runs all-out, in reply.
The future of cricket in the United States is very bright. Cricket officials in the New York Region are already talking about future National USA prospect in Tuhin Ahmed and Jason Evans from Newcomers HS and Richmond Hill HS, respectively. Both players have demonstrated exceptional cricketing skills and class at an early age.
Tuhin Ahmed
PSAL has been running organized sports for high schools in New York City for several years and credit must be given to them for the fantastic job they are doing.
Currently, there are 14 high schools participating in the program. A massive expansion of the program is targeted for 2009 involving several more high schools and middle schools.
You can learn more about the PSAL at www.psal.org
Commissioner Basset Thompson spinning the toss
Nassau League officials at the game, from left, Denis Ramlogan, Dean Mustaphalli, Steve Massiah and Ricky Singh
