TOWAMENCIN- Cricket is the world’s most popular sport, with over 2.5 billion fans. However, here in the United States, it hasn’t made much of a breakthrough until this year, thanks to thriving South Asian immigrant communities reviving the sport. At North Penn High School, cricket has found a new home at Cricket Club. 

After approval from the Student Government Association and the Athletic Director, Cricket Club is ready to make its spot as North Penn’s newest sports club, but unlike the other sports clubs at North Penn, cricket is a team sport requiring teams of eleven players, which also requires significantly more planning and teamwork. 

“As I moved into my senior year, I noticed my childhood slipping away and when I saw this with many of my friends, I thought: What’s better than having a club that reminds so many of us of our childhood?” President and Founder Aaditya Ramesh said.

Cricket clubs exist outside of school but are often very costly and extremely competitive. Being able to play for free and for fun is a step forward for cultures that play cricket but cannot express themselves. 

“I hope Cricket Club ends up being the next biggest club at North Penn. This is a sport I’ve been very passionate about, and I’ve put a lot of effort into the club and hope to see it become a big success, given the recent success with other sports clubs,” Ramesh explained. 

The Cricket Club’s first meeting was on December 6th. A completely informational meeting on the rules and regulations that the club has in place. 

“Cricket Club’s meetings are planned usually a month in advance and the matches will take place, hopefully, on Snyder Road’s field, and we hope to do this at least twice a month. Teams will be randomly selected.” Ramesh stated.

Cricket Club also plans on having meetings that consist of tournament-style matches, with teams consisting of cultural clubs, to make it seem as realistic as possible for the world-famous T20 tournaments.

“I hope we can do cultural tournaments; that will boost interest and strengthen cultural bonds. But something I hope to see, maybe not even when I am still here, is our Cricket Club playing other schools, maybe like Souderton. I’ve talked with their ICA (Indian Cultural Association) president about this idea and I think it would be very fitting and interesting to see how it will play out, but this does take a lot of planning,” Ramesh exclaimed. 

As Cricket Club nears its next meeting, students are excited about what the club will hold. 

“I hope to recreate rivalries like what the World Language Department’s soccer tournament that takes place at the end of the year does,” Jawad Alasamin said. 

Cricket Club’s next meeting is scheduled for the Spring of 2024. For more information and to keep up with the club visit @npcricketclub on Instagram.