NEW YORK: The Governor of New York Kathy Hochul has signed into law a bill recognizing cricket as an “important part of the social and cultural fabric” of New York State, expanding the state’s capacity to officially promote the game.
The legislation (S.146/A.479) was sponsored by Senator Kevin Thomas (D-Levittown), the first Indian-American to serve in the New York State Legislature, and Assembly member Nily Rozic (D, Worker-Family Party-Fresh Meadows), News India Times, a US publication targeted at the Indian diaspora, reported.
The law goes into effect immediately.
As per News India Times, New York State has a special place in the sport’s history: the first recorded game of cricket in North America took place in New York in 1751, noted the press release from Sen. Thomas’ office. The game is rapidly gaining popularity across the United States and New York State in particular, thanks to the influence of immigrant communities from South Asia.
In 2008, the New York State Department of Education created the country’s first competitive public school cricket program, which now has more than 30 teams.
In addition, for the first time in recent history, the United States is scheduled to host The International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup in June 2024.
State Sen. Thomas, was quoted as having said in a press release: “The sport of cricket goes hand-in-hand with the diversity and multiculturalism of our state, which is home to a number of thriving immigrant communities who grew up playing and watching cricket.
“As one of the most popular sports in the world, cricket represents a major opportunity for New York State – culturally, socially, and economically.
“In fact, I believe that New York has a unique opportunity to become the official Cricket Capital of the USA.”
Assembly member Rozic added: “Cricket is already a bona fide American pastime that brings everyone together and should be celebrated for that.
“With the growth of numerous leagues across New York, incentivizing cricket activities through tourism would benefit the sport and recognize its place in New York,” Rozic added.
USA Cricket board member Ajith Bhaskar Shetty thanked Thomas and Rozic, stating: “Senator Thomas’s bill not only promotes the game of cricket but also supports the thousands of players and fans here in New York.”
Youth Coordinator for USA Cricket Ashok Adikoppula noted: “Now they will have an opportunity to pick another global sport as their career option and excel with the right support system through both USA Cricket and New York State Athletics Commission.”
