Basic HTML Version

|  | Table of Contents |  | View Full Version

Page 33 - The Indian EYE 042426
P. 33

    Newsmakers of the Week                                                   APRIL 24, 2026    |  The Indian Eye 33

                                    RAKHI ISRANI                                                SONU SOOD & MIKA SINGH

                  Attorney Emerges as a Leading                                   Duo buys GT20 team in National

            Candidate in California’s 14th District                                                Cricket League

                                                                                      oronto: The National Cricket League (NCL) announced actor Sonu
                                                                                      Sood and singer Mika Singh’s joining in NCL GT20 as team co-own-
                                                                                Ters, marking a major step in the league’s continued growth across North
                 remont, CA: Rakhi Israni has rapidly emerged as a leading candidate   America.
                 in California’s 14th Congressional District, drawing increasing attention
                                                                                    Their involvement brings significant global visibility and cultural influ-
            Fin what remains a crowded and competitive race. As the campaign has   ence to a league that is rapidly connecting established cricket markets with
            unfolded, she has established herself as a serious contender—one that political   emerging audiences in the United States and Canada, according to a press
            observers are watching closely.                                     release from NCL.
                Her candidacy has also generated interest far beyond the district, partic-
                                                                                    This is part of the National Cricket League’s broader vision to build a tru-
            ularly among Indian Americans who are closely following the community’s   ly global cricket platform--one that brings together players, fans, and partners
            growing civic and political presence in the United States. For many, Israni’s   across regions. By linking the passion of South Asia and the Caribbean with
            campaign represents a broader moment—one in which decades of achieve-  the momentum building in North America, NCL is helping shape the next
            ment in business, medicine, engineering, law, and technology are now being   phase of the sport’s growth.
            matched by greater visibility in public leadership.                     Cricket is gaining traction across North America, driven by a diverse and
                If  elected,  Israni  would  mark  an  important  milestone.  She  would  be
            among the first Indian American women to represent California in Con-  growing fan base, increased international participation, and rising commercial
                                                                                interest. With the sport set to return to the Olympics, the timing presents a
            gress—reflecting the continued growth of Indian American civic participa-  significant opportunity to expand its reach and relevance in new markets.
            tion and leadership. While leaders such as Pramila Jayapal have already
            broken barriers in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Kamala Harris
            has served at the highest levels of national leadership, Israni’s candidacy  “Cricket has always had the power to unite people across cultures.
            signals the expanding geographic and political reach of the community’s   What the National Cricket League is building in North America is
            representation.
                Israni brings a wide-ranging and substantive background to the race. She  an important step in taking the game to new audiences. With the
            is an attorney, entrepreneur, educator, and mother of four.         Olympics ahead and growing interest in the region, this is the
                Her campaign has emphasized public service, fiscal discipline, and prac-
            tical problem-solving—priorities that supporters say are grounded in both  right time to be part of that journey,” Sonu Sood said.
            her professional experience and her approach to leadership. With a career
            spanning law, education, business, and community engagement, she has po-  “Cricket and entertainment naturally come together, and North America
            sitioned herself as a candidate who understands both policy and real-world   offers a unique platform for both. The diversity and energy here make it an
            challenges.                                                         exciting market, and I’m proud to be part of the National Cricket League and
                That depth of experience has helped distinguish her in a competitive   NCL GT20,” Mika Singh said.
            field where credibility and discipline are critical. Supporters frequently point   Peter Jagpal, the co-owner of Vancouver Guardians, added, “Cricket in
            to her work ethic and breadth of expertise as defining strengths—qualities   Canada is entering a significant phase of growth, and NCL GT20 is helping
            that often determine which candidates gain traction and break through in   create a strong platform for the sport across North America. We are proud to
            high-stakes races.                                                  be part of a league that is building the future of cricket in Canada and expand-
                Her growing stature has also drawn support from national leaders.   ing its reach to new audiences.”
            Suhas Subramanyam noted, “Rakhi is a successful entrepreneur who has
            committed herself to a life of service. She has proven herself to be a strong   To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
            advocate for working families like hers, and I know she will be a great addi-         our website www.TheIndianEYE.com
            tion to Congress.”

                                                                   www.TheIndianEYE.com

| 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 |