I learned a few years ago that Buffalo has an established cricket community. I’m talking about the game of cricket, played with a bat and ball, that dates back to Tudor times in early 16th-century England. Unfortunately, if you live in the city of Buffalo, chances are that you are not aware of the growing popularity if the sport locally. That’s because the practices, games and tournaments are all held on the outside of the city. “Our players, the majority of whom are South Asian expats, have created a thriving cricket scene,” said Patrick McDevitt, a faculty advisor to the University at Buffalo Cricket Association. “Just as devotees around the world play on whatever strip of open land, be it in a Mumbai alley or a Jamaican beach, they can find, our cricketers are nothing if not adaptable.”
As of late, cricket players have managed to create acceptable playing grounds in reserved parking lots at UB, as well as in recreation centers during the off season. McDevitt tells me that there are even occasions when the players find themselves on “real grass with proper wickets.”
To me, this is the type of recreational sport that I would love to see come play a few exhibitions in Downtown Buffalo (maybe over in the Old First Ward at Father Conway Park). It would be an easy lift for sure, especially with the help of an organization such as The Valley Community Center. Regardless, it’s kind of neat knowing that there is a growing cricket community in Buffalo. I, for one, have never seen a live game, and need to get my act together and do so.
Fall lineup of tournaments, includes a tournament the weekend of Sept 6-7, which will be organized by ISCC (Idylwood Strikers Cricket Club) at the cricket ground in Idylwood Resort apartment complex which is located at 101 Slate Creek Drive, Cheektowaga, Buffalo NY- 14227.
For more information about the Buffalo Cricket Club and upcoming tournaments, check out the group on Facebook.