By FEROZ SYED
Guest columnist
As the Summer Olympics come to a close, Central Indiana is preparing to host another exciting event for an internationally beloved sport. On Saturday, August 17, the eighth annual CricIndy League Cricket Tournament will bring together over 20 companies and over 600 participants for an exciting day of competition, camaraderie and cultural celebration.
For those unfamiliar with cricket, imagine a sport that combines the strategic depth of baseball with the ceaseless energy of soccer. It’s a game of skill, endurance and spectacle that has captivated billions of people around the world. And now it’s making a name for itself here in the heart of America.
The CricIndy League has grown from humble beginnings a decade ago to what it is today. What started as a friendly match between a handful of cricket fans from 10 corporate entities has evolved into a premier sporting event for the city, attracting sponsors and participants from across the city’s diverse business landscape. Corporate and business leaders from across the city and its surrounding areas can put together their own teams to compete for the CricIndy Cricket Cup.
But this isn’t just about cricket. It’s about building bridges between communities, fostering understanding and celebrating the rich diversity of cultures that make Indianapolis so great. It’s a heartfelt celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion in the community and business landscape. That’s why CricIndy is hosting a special professional networking event on August 16, the eve of the tournament. It’s an opportunity to network, share stories and build lasting relationships that extend far beyond the cricket field, all while celebrating the diversity of our Central Indiana business community.
The growth of the CricIndy League reflects the rising popularity of cricket in the United States. With the sport making its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles for the first time since 1900, there has never been a better time to get familiar with this global phenomenon. CricIndy’s tournament provides the perfect introduction – a chance to experience the excitement first-hand and maybe even discover a new passion.
CricIndy would like to express its deep and sincere gratitude to all panelists, participants and sponsors for joining us in our commitment to uplifting our communities, building happy, healthy and inclusive lifestyles in the community and workplace, whilst taking the sport of international cricket to the next level.
To all the teams preparing to take to the field, we wish you the best of luck. May your bats swing with precision, your bowlers find their mark and your fielders display acrobatic brilliance. But remember, win or lose, the real victory lies in the friendships formed and the barriers broken down.
And to our wonderful community in Central Indiana, we invite you to be a part of this extraordinary event. Come join us on August 16 for our networking evening, hosted by RADcube and Eli Lilly at the Eli Lilly Corporate Center, 893 Delaware St., Indianapolis, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion in the corporate world. Then come on August 17 and cheer on the teams as they compete for cricket glory at Grand Park in Westfield.
The CricIndy League is more than just a tournament. It is a testament to our city’s inclusive spirit, a celebration of our diversity and a glimpse into the exciting future of cricket in America. Tournament day opens with the flag ceremony supported by the Indiana National Guard and continues with children’s activities, CPR demonstrations by Syra Health and a culturally diverse halftime show as the 20 teams compete for the ultimate championship. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, there’s a place for you in this vibrant cricket community.
So mark your calendars, spread the word and get ready for two days of unforgettable fun. Let’s work together, stroke by stroke and pitch by pitch, to make this the best ever in the CricIndy League!
Feroz Syed is the founder of CricIndy and the CEO of RADcube.
