Page 20 - The Indian EYE 090525

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 05, 2025 | The Indian Eye 20

Cricket makes history with first-ever

match at Times Square

OUR BUREAU Pradhan took strike as the first batsman, with Mr.
Satnam Singh Sandhu bowling the first ceremonial
New York, NY
pitch. What began as a ceremonial gesture quickly
n a historic first, cricket was played at Times turned into a vibrant celebration, as U.S. nation-
Square, transforming the world’s most iconic al players, community leaders, kids and guests all
Icrossroads into a cricket pitch as part of India picked up the bat and ball, bringing the energy of
Day celebrations led by Cricmax Connect and the cricket to the heart of Manhattan.
Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). The crowd at Times Square, filled with In-
The three-day celebration began on August 15, dian Americans, cricket fans, and curious New
2025, with a flag hoisting ceremony at the Consul- Yorkers, cheered as players showcased the sport,
ate General of India in New York, where dignitar- proving that cricket’s spirit transcends borders.
ies and community leaders gathered, and U.S. na- For many, witnessing a live cricket game in one of
tional players Saiteja Mukkamalla and Jessy Singh the world’s most iconic locations was a once-in-a-
were honoured with felicitations. That afternoon, lifetime experience.
Indian film star Vijay Deverakonda joined repre- “Cricmax Connect was created to give cricket
sentatives from Cricmax Connect and FIA for a in the U.S. a true grassroots foundation, a path-
ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building way where young talent can dream big and find
in the Indian tricolour. real opportunities,” said Vinay Bhimjiani, Found-
On August 16, 2025, the celebrations cul- er & CEO of Cricmax Connect. “To see crick-
minated at Times Square, where Indian film star also participated in the festivities, represent- et being played for the very first time at Times
Vijay Deverakonda led a spirited flag hoisting ing the growing presence of cricket in America. Square is not just historic, it is symbolic of the
ceremony, joined by FIA members and com- The defining and most unforgettable mo- sport’s rise here. Our vision is to make cricket a
munity representatives. Adding to the pride of ment came when, for the very first time, a cricket part of America’s sporting fabric, and this mo-
the occasion, U.S. national players Sai Muk- match was staged at Times Square. In the symbolic ment proves that the future of the game in the
kamalla, Yasir Mohammed, and Smit Patel opening, Consul General Amb. Binaya Srikanta U.S. has never looked brighter.”

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