NY Cricket Region Under 15 Registration April 5

NYCR Prepares for USACA Eastern Conference Tournament

Promoting the World's Best Game!

Promoting the World’s Best Game!

The New York Cricket Region (NYCR) invites all Parents and Students interested in representing the region at the USA Cricket Association’s (USACA) Eastern Conference Under-15 Tournament from May 24th-26th, Raleigh, North Carolina, to register. Registration begins 10 am at the Gateway Mall Cricket Field on Saturday, April 5th 2014.

For more information about attending the NYCR’s Under-15 Registration and Trials please contact Nigel Harper, NYCR, Youth Coordinator by phone (516) 315-8472. Direction to Gateway Mall, Exit 15 off the Belt Parkway Brooklyn, or take B13, Q7, or Q8 Buses from the Euclid Avenue A and C Train to Gateway Mall, Cricket Field is at the western end of the mall.

Take advantage of a Free cricket program at your school, contact Dyon Ravello, Development Officer, Cricket Let’s Play USA by phone (917) 266-5395 or via email @ dyon.ravello@cricketletsplayusa.com

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Rain To Delay PSAL Cricket

PSAL Cricket Update: Games Carded for April 1, and 2 Postponed

Due to torrential showers over the weekend, the Public Schools Athletic League has been forced to delay the start of its spring cricket 2014 season. Excessive rains has left cricket fields waterlogged and unsuitable for play. Matches originally scheduled for April 1st and 2nd has been postponed by Commissioner Bassett Thompson.

The season should bowl off on Thursday April 3rd, once weather conditions improve. Matches have been booked for April 4th and 5th to complete Week 1. Weekend Schedule:

April 4th:

Martin Van Buren vs. Prospect Heights Campus @ Bailey Pond Park South, 4pm

April 5 th:

Aviation vs. Brooklyn Tech @ Bailey Pond Park South, 1 pm

John Bowne vs. Wingate @ Kissena Park, 1 pm

Stuyvesant vs. Newton @ Gateway Mall Cricket Field, 1 pm

Franklin D. Roosevelt vs. Hillcrest @ Marine Park 2, 1 pm

Brooklyn International vs. John Adams @ Marine Park 1, 1 pm

Thomas Edison vs. Springfield Gardens @ Baisley Pond Park, Cage, 1pm

Jamaica vs. Franklin K. Lane @ Gateway Mall Cricket Field, 9:30 am

Richmond Hill vs. Lafayette @ Baisley Pond Park, Cage 10:00 am

Abraham Lincoln vs. Newcomers @ Long Island City, Marine Park 2, 10:00 am

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The Nations #1 School Cricket League Bowls Off April 1

New York’s Public School Athletic League (PSAL) Spring Cricket 2014 Season

NYC Mayor's Cup 2013 Best Bowler and H.S. for Construction Senior Keifer Phill

NYC Mayor’s Cup 2013 Best Bowler, US Under-19 and H.S. for Construction Senior Keifer Phill

PSAL Cricket continues to be among the headlines, “PSAL” was invited to be part of ESPNCricinfo’s 20th anniversary Celebration held in New York on March 21st 2014. In attendance was none other than PSAL chief, Bassett Thompson. As PSAL enters the 2014 Season both students and administrators alike will be proud that the High School league continues to standout amid a fledgling cricketing atmosphere. ESPN has not been the only suitors of the PSAL but the nations governing body United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) and most significantly the International Cricket Council (ICC) are well aware of the value and the role PSAL plays in the development of cricket in America.

This Season opens with two matches on April 1st with Springfield Gardens hosting Queens H.S. of Teaching at Baisley South and then the clashes of the rookies with Maspeth tackling Newton at Baisley Cage. Action continues on Wednesday and Thursday with Two-time defending champions Long Island City facing off against arch-rivals John Adams. See full week 1 schedule below:

April 1

Springfield Gardens v. Queens H.S of Teaching (Baisley South)

Maspeth v. Newton (Baisley Cage)

April 2

FDR v. Midwood (Marine Park)

Abraham Lincoln v. Sheepshead Bay (Marine Park)

Jamaica v. Aviation (Baisley Cage)

Richmond Hill v. Martin Van Buren (Kissena Park)

April 3

Bronx H.S. of Science v. Thomas Edison (Kissena Park)

Dewitt Clinton v. Stuyvesant (Van Cortland Park)

Lafayette v. Wingate (Marine Park)

Franklin K. Lane v. Brooklyn Tech (Canarsie Park)

John Adams v. Long Island City (Baisley South)

William C. Bryant v Newcomers (Kissena Park)

 

 

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Joe Takes Up ACL Helm

Joe Siewharack Elected American Cricket League (NY) President

The American Cricket League held there Elections of officers on January 25th 2014 for the term 2014/2015. The presiding officer was Henderson Clarke (past president).

Joe Siewharack

Newly Elected ACL President, Joe Siewharack

New President Joe Siewharack thanked all those who voted for him, and hopes to charter a new course towards improving and developing the league further. He thanked Mr. Wesley King the outgoing president for his dedicated service to the league after 10 years and also thanked the many past presidents since the league started in 1966. Joe said he will be doing what he thinks is best for Cricket and also to make the ACL the best league in the NY Cricket Region (NYCR) and by extension the USA. He welcomed all the new elected members and promise to work together with the new committee.

Joe warned all clubs that the league will be more serious in most areas and will implement new development. Siewarack asked all club members to work together with them, because the league really is the clubs and not the executive and with that cooperation, all will benefit. Finally he thanked Mr. Henderson Clarke for being the election officer and also for continuously providing a headquarters for the ACL. He thanked all participant and looked forward to a fantastic 2014 Cricket season.

American Cricket League (ACL) 2014 Election Results:

President : Joe Siewharack

(Melbourne NY Alliance SC)

Vice President : Mohammad Chaudhry (Punjab CC)

Secretary: Carlos Clarke (Cambridge CC)

Treasurer : Darius George (West Indian Alliance CC)

Financial Secretary : Philmore Warner (Casablanca CC)

Trustee : Carlos Clarke (Cambridge CC)

Trustee : Mohammad Awais (Kings Eleven CC)

All new members happy to serve within their portfolio on the new committee to improve the league.

American Cricket League, Inc.

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Video: US Youth Cricketers to Feature At AAU Youth Olympics

USACA Youth Update

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Recap: Cricket Voice USA 1.1

America’s 1 and Only Cricket Radio Show

Cricket Voice Logohttps://vellocricket.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/cricketvoiceusa-episode1.wav

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Interview: USA U-19 Waqas Shah Looks Ahead

Waqas Shah The VelloCricket Journal’s People Choice NY Youth Cricketer of the Season 2013

by Dyon Ravello

VC: Were you surprised by your selection for US Under-19 Combine last Spring (2013)?

Shah: Yes! I was surprised but I had an 80 not out at eastern regional trials here in New York so I was confident.

US Under-19 Waqas Shah hooks while batting during World Cup Qualifiers in King City Canada 2013 - photo by Salman Ahmad

US Under-19 Waqas Shah hooks while batting during World Cup Qualifiers in King City Canada 2013 – photo by Salman Ahmad

VC: What did you take from US Under-19 Combine to ensure that you were selected?

Shah: What I can say is that the Combine was the best experience I have had in terms of how to train. Here we play on the weekend with little practice session so that was a significant change. Gym session has always been a key aspect of my preparation as well.

VC: USA missed a chance at the recently completed ICC U-19 World Cup what did you take from the trip to Canada?

Shah: It was really a roller-coaster beginning with trials at the Combine where I had most runs, but I started only at number seven (7) in Canada, but I kept moving up the order finishing at number three (3).

VC: Was 2013 your best season to date?

Shah: Statistically yes, 2012 I had a very good season as well so I was able to carry the momentum from the past year. So too I am looking to carry that form into 2014 especially being appointed captain of Pakistan CC of the American League.

VC: What would you like to achieve in cricket?

Shah: I will definitely like to play at the highest level, US Senior National Team, ICC World Cup even the possibility of playing for my native Pakistan. Especially since representing US U-15, and now US U-19 I have always been a big dreamer.

Waqas Shah quotes “Each time I hit the floor I am always looking to get back up punching like Muhammad Ali.”

NYCR Donate1VC: Have you considered playing in Pakistan or abroad to hone your skill?

Shah: Yes I was scheduled to visit Pakistan to play there this winter but I suffered a severe injury which I am just about to recover from.

VC: Were you considered for US Open?

Shah: US Open unfortunately clashed with school so there was a conflict in attending the Florida tournament.

VC: What are your goals for 2014?

Shah: Well, I will like to score more hundreds, last season I had two hundreds so I will like to put up more runs on the board.

VC: What is life outside of cricket for Waqas Shah?

Shah: I am very keen about my faith and belief in Islam. As its provides a focal point for my Pre-med studies at City College as I will like to become a Pediatrician. I have a passion for reading especially learning about my role models like Muhammad Ali and World Cup Winning Captain Imran Khan of Pakistan. My family is also a very important aspect of my life.

Waqas extends gratitude to his Parents, cousins, brother, coaches and club who all have helped him to develop his game to date. To abrogate contemporary proverb it takes a community to raise an elite athlete and an exemplary young-man.

Dyon Ravello is a sport journalist based in New York, with experiences in coaching, umpiring, scoring and administration.

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Can Associates Strike An Upset At T20 World Cup?

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Habibulla Headlines Liberty SC’s Success on Tampa Tour

by Liberty S.C Media

Altaf Habibulla shows off his MVP & Best Bowler Trophies

Altaf Habibulla shows off his MVP & Best Bowler Trophies

Altaaf Habibulla was named the Most Valuable Player as the GMA Enterprise sponsored Liberty Sports Club returned with two wins in as many matches games during a weekend tour to Tampa, Florida.

The Blue Nation headed South looking to get back out on the field and escape the frigid winter conditions which had left the New York area under ice leading up to the February 22nd/23rd weekend.  Thanks to the Captain of Largo Cricket Club, Arnold Harry, the NY Team was hosted for two games over the two day span. 

Tampa CC vs Liberty SC

Early morning thunderstorms reduced the game to a 30 overs affair before Tampa CC won the toss and chose to bat. The TCC openers, B. Bory and D. Harry, were cautious against LSC’s Jay Singh and Sunesh Wazid. Their caution did not last long before Singh and Wazid would strike at each end to provide early breakthroughs.

R. Lindsay (28) and L. Pompey (24) set about a repair job for TCC and featured in a 26 runs partnership before they were separated. Following this partnership, the TCC innings never gained any momentum mainly due to Yudesh Bissnauth’s spell of 3 wickets for 10 off 4 overs. The hosts edged along to 112 for 9 off their 30 overs with only P. Ellitte (13) making it to double figures along with Lindsay and Pompey.

 

Andy Harricharan (2) & Imtiaz Hassan (1), along with Singh, Wazid and Bissnauth, were the LSC bowlers to claim wickets.  Altaaf Habibulla bowled 6 economical overs but was unlucky to not pick up a wicket while Alex Amsterdam bowled 2 maiden overs for no wicket.

LSC’s chase got off to a rough start when Ramnarine Chattergoon was trapped leg before wicket first ball and Bose Persaud was out caught in the second over. Habibulla, Harricharan & Hassan would fall quickly, to leave the touring team 34 for 5 chasing the small total. Captain, Danesh Deonarain (29) helped to consolidated this chase but perished to a poor shot when R. Lindsay was brought into the attack.  At 59 for 6 there was a degree of concern in the LSC camp but Amsterdam held his nerves to bring it home for the visitors. The left hander struck 3 fours in his knock of 35 and found support from Wazid who scored an unbeaten 15. Singh (3*) accompanied Wazid to navigate LSC home safely with 10 overs to spare.

Largo CC vs Liberty SC

Under ideal conditions for cricket on Sunday, Largo CC won the toss and chose to bat. The bouncy Astro Turf wicket added a “Pep” in the steps of the LSC seamers and they did not disappoint. 

Once again the home team’s openers were cautious and managed to see off Hassan and Singh, who handled the new ball for LSC, despite not adding much to the runs column of the score-book. This all changed when Altaaf Habibulla and Andy Harricharan were introduced first change. Habibulla bowled with steady pace and swung the ball both ways while Harricharan took full advantage of the bouncy Astro Turf and generated some healthy pace. The pair combined to remove the top seven Largo CC batsmen of which Altaaf picking up 5 for 26 off his 6 overs and Andy picking up 2 for 12 off 4 overs.

Raul flayed some ambitious shots to score 23 for Largo CC and ended as one of only 2 batsmen, along with D. Harry, to reach double figures. Raul’s stay was ended by Amsterdam who wrapped up the Largo tail quickly with 2.2 overs 3 wickets for 4 runs as the home side was wrapped up for 85 in the 27th over.

The LSC chase was mostly uneventful after losing Jay Singh in the second over for 3. Habibulla (30) & Ganesh Venkat (18) put together a 53 run partnership before Venkat got out. Harricharran came in and upped the tempo with a huge six straight back into the LSC camp.  Habibulla would fall with the score on 70 but the additional 16 runs were knocked off easily by Harricharran and Bissnauth (3*) to seal the 7 wicket win for LSC.

At the post game presentation Alex Amstardam was named the best batsman for the trip while Altaaf Habibulla was named best bowler and MVP.  Largo CC named Raul M their best batsman and Shamsul their best bowler.

Liberty Sports Club would like to extend a hearty thank you to the Largo & Tampa CC’s and in particular Mr. Arnold Harry for their hospitality and competition.

The 2014 Liberty Sports Club is sponsored by GMA Enterprise, located on 122nd St & Liberty Ave.  Follow the progress of Liberty Sports Club and join #TheBlueNation via facebook (facebook.com/LibertyCricketClubb), Twitter (@LibertySportsC) & Instagram (@LibertySportsC)

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Pybus to focus on regional cricket

West Indian Bowling depth, rich in abundance, Batting needs Clinical attention!

 

West Indies Cricket Director, Richard Pybus assess the current state of West Indian cricket

West Indies Cricket Director, Richard Pybus assess the current state of West Indian cricket

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) director of cricket Richard Pybus says that professionalising the game and playing more cricket at the regional level is the first step in catching up to the leading cricketing nations in the world.

Pybus, speaking to the media during a WICB press conference at Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain yesterday, said that a more professional setup in the West Indies in terms of the territorial teams, will help the regional side to be on a level playing field with their opponents.

He said there were talented players around the region but the regional board had fallen short in developing that talent for the international arena.

He said that his initial concern when he took up the post of director of cricket late last year was the kind of depth that existed in regional first-class cricket.

However, having seen for himself, he said yesterday, “the depth in first-class cricket in the fast bowling and spin bowling departments is exceptional but what I will say is that where we need to improve is how we are managing and developing our talent,” he added.

He stated: “We need to professionalise the game properly.”

Asked about what a more professional set up would entail, the former Pakistan and Bangladesh coach said: “We want to have core groups of players regionally (outside of the West Indies team) who will be afforded the opportunity to be fully professional cricketers. We want to have professional setups like there are overseas in county cricket, state cricket and franchise cricket.

“We want to have professional setups where we have full-time staff who are supporting full time players and that is the ultimate goal. And all that is going to allow us to do over the next three years is to actually get the West Indies on a level playing field with the top sides in the world,” Pybus explained.

“That is not going to make us the best side in the world. If we were running a race it will be like us catching up to the top sides in the world. That is a key priority for us, to actually get to the starting line so we can run an equal race,” he added.

The director of cricket added that regional players need to play more games and that there must be a clear pathway to move from regional to international cricket.

“We want to have a clear avenue for players who are playing first-class cricket to go on to play international cricket,” said Pybus.

“First-class cricket is not the finishing school for international cricket. Our players need to be learning and growing their game so by the time they get to the international setup, they will be up to the fitness standard, the skill set and they understand what being professional is.

“In the past, the great players from the region would play the domestic season and then go over to the UK (the United Kingdom) and play for the county teams as overseas professionals, so they had six months of cricket.

“So the better players in the region would have a season which was nine to ten months long. As we stand now, the current season is three months long and then we have the shorter formats,” he said.

“We need enough volume of games. The Super50 was very exciting but in reality we need more games to give players more opportunities to put the numbers together in terms of volume of runs and volume of wickets taken so they can put pressure on the incumbents in the regional setup and put the selectors under pressure. That is a huge priority for us,” Pybus added.

WICB president Dave Cameron noted that the increased revenue the Board is expecting from the International Cricket Council over the next eight years could be put towards the development of the game in the region and possibly extending the first-class season.

— (Trinidad Express)

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