USA Cricketer : New Inning Foundation

2012 New Inning Foundation USA Cricket Awards: Woodley Cricket Complex wins Claude Worrell Best Cricket Ground

openingbat — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:26:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

By Venu Palaparthi

On June 19, 2009, I wrote on DreamCricket.com promising the American cricket community that DreamCricket.com would launch an award for the Best Cricket Ground in the USA. I also wrote that the award would be named after Claude Worrell, the former SCCA President, whose efforts contributed to the formation of the Woodley Cricket Complex cricket grounds.

I wrote then that "The trophy will be awarded each year and will go to the individual or group who volunteer their time to improve playing facilities in USA."

Three years later, the award became a reality through the support of Ram Varadarajan and his New Inning Foundation. The annual Claude Worrell Best Cricket Ground award comprising a plaque will be given to a league, club, and/or a parks department that is involved with maintaining a facility that is magnificent, well maintained and of the highest playing standard.

For 2012, the winning ground was selected through a popular vote conducted on DreamCricket's Facebook page.

It is a coincidence that when the cricketing populace around the country voted for the best ground, the winner was the field that Claude Worrell helped build.

The 2013 New Inning Foundation Claude Worrell Best USA Cricket Ground award goes to The Leo Magnus Cricket Complex, more commonly known as the Woodley Cricket Complex, a four field facility located in the Los Angeles suburb of Van Nuys. The award will be given to SCCA and it will also recognize the role of the City of LA Recreation and Parks Department.

The complex in Van Nuys was created in 1978 because the Glendale Equestrian Center had taken over the Griffith Park Cricket Association grounds, established in May 1933 by the Hollywood Cricket Club. The equestrian interest was a byproduct of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and equestrian events and polo were planned in the adjoining area. The cricket family, led by the late Claude Worrell, strongly objected to the move and negotiations took place with local council authorities before it was decided that the game could move to what is now the Woodley Park cricket complex.

The SCCA's players literally 'pitched in' and began removing trees around the boundaries. The facility got a fresh lease of life in the 1990s due to Jean Wong's efforts to secure two additional fields in exchange for the older Marder field which became part of a bird sanctuary. The City of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation department spent $250,000 to level the field and provide for irrigation. The entire complex continues to be owned by the Army Corps of Engineers.

When Dr. Atul Rai became president of SCCA, one of the four fields was named for Wong. The Marder field is named after John Marder, who was among the founders of USA Cricket Association in 1963. To the south are the Severn and Wright fields named after Clifford Severn and Ernie Wright respectively. The whole cricket complex is named after Leo "Jingles" Magnus, a former Jamaican cricketer who played for the University Cricket Club.

During the 1990s, Peter Eaton, an expert groundsman from Sussex in England flew down and worked to ensure that the soil balance and porous clay content were just right. More recently, Richard Blackledge has been leading that effort.

The grounds have seen their share of prestigious tournaments. In 1997, the field hosted Jamaica featuring Jimmy Adams and Franklyn Rose. The same year, India A played Australia A at this ground and 5000 spectators gathered to watch VVS Laxman, Brett Lee, Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds here long before their famous rivalry became a thing of the legend in the sub-continent and down under. The ACF T20 hosted by SCCA was held at this facility in 2012.

The Woodley Cricket Complex can accommodate up to 5000 spectators and the league pays for the upkeep of the grounds. A quick look at the league's 2011 budget sheds some light on the amount of care the league takes to maintain this crown jewel of American cricket. During 2011, SCCA budgeted roughly $9,000 for pavilion repairs, $20,000 for the construction of a practice facility, $3,000 for rolling the grounds and roughly $20,000 towards the annual compensation for groundsmen.

[Pictures courtesy of Dwight McCann Photography. Cannot be reprinted without permission.]

USA Cricket: Steven Taylor to play in Sanath Jayasuriya's World XI vs. Pakistan All-Stars in Karachi

openingbat — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:24:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

By Peter Della Penna (on Twitter)

USA opening batsman Steven Taylor has been selected to be a part of a World XI team captained by former Sri Lanka star Sanath Jayasuriya against a Pakistan All-Star XI in a pair of exhibition matches this weekend in Karachi, Pakistan. The 18-year-old Florida native confirmed his participation in the event via text message on Monday prior to boarding a flight for Pakistan.

Taylor was named the 2011 Cricketer of the Year in DreamCricket.com’s New Inning Foundation USA Cricket Awards. The menacing left-hander was USA’s vice-captain at the 2011 ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifier in Ireland where he finished tied for second overall at the event with 455 runs including two centuries. He is the only American player in the 12-man World XI squad for the matches which will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on October 20 and 21.

Image (right) - Steven Taylor in action vs. Denmark at 2012 ICC WCL Division Four in Malaysia. [Courtesy: Peter Della Penna/DreamCricket.com]

At the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier in the UAE, Taylor was USA’s second most productive batsman with 179 runs at the tournament. His best score was 40 in USA’s upset win over ODI-nation Scotland. In August, he captained the ICC Americas U-19 team in Barbados at the West Indies Cricket Board Regional U-19 Tournament, making a top score of 75 against Barbados U-19. At ICC World Cricket League Division Four last month in Malaysia, he finished second overall at the tournament with 216 runs at an average of 36.00 including two half-centuries for USA at a strike rate of 104.85.

In addition to Taylor, former West Indies Test bowlers Adam Sanford and Jermaine Lawson, who played for the New York and Atlantic Regions respectively in USACA National Tournaments in 2010, are also in the World XI as is former West Indies international Ricardo Powell, former South African internationals Justin Kemp, Loots Bosman, Nantie Hayward and Andre Nel and current Afghanistan players Shapoor Zadran and Mohammad Shahzad.

The Pakistan All-Star XI will be captained by Shahid Afridi and includes seven other players from Pakistan’s 2012 ICC World Twenty20 squad: Nasir Jamshed, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Imran Nazir, Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Sami. Also in the Pakistan All-Star XI squad is Younis Khan, who has played 79 Tests and was the title-winning captain for Pakistan at the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 in England.

The matches are being staged in an attempt to help revive international tours to Pakistan. No Test playing nation has toured the country since the Sri Lanka team bus was the target of a terrorist attack on the way to the Gaddafi Stadium for day three of a Test match in Lahore on March 3, 2009.

Ram Varadarajan announces candidacy. Offers 'bold new plan' for leadership.

openingbat — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:48:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

Comments

In an exclusive interview with DreamCricket.com, California businessman Ram Varadarajan announces his plan to run for president of USACA. The first half of the interview is below. Part two will be published on Thursday.

DreamCricket: Thanks for agreeing to speak to DreamCricket.com and for announcing your candidacy on our website. It has been an eventful three years for you personally. On the professional front, the company you founded in 1997, Arcot Systems, was sold to CA Technologies. Reportedly in an all cash transaction valued at $200 million. How do you feel about that?

RV: It is always good to have the fruits of one’s labor be rewarded. I am happy for myself and all the stakeholders - employees, partners, investors and customers. My team at Arcot and I had spent a decade building this business from the proverbial Silicon Valley startup on a napkin into one of the most respected security and anti-fraud solutions company in the world. Building a successful company is all about leadership, team building, fund raising, gaining confidence in your stock holders and meeting the expectations of your customers. Equally important are qualities such as – highest level of ethical conduct, transparency and communication. I am glad I could, with my team, achieve all of these.

Arcot has a great future, the business continues to do very well and my team is continuing our mission with renewed vigor. While I am still actively engaged with the business at Arcot, I no longer have the pressures that an entrepreneur CEO has. I have the freedom and bandwidth to pursue my interest in US cricket more vigorously. And I truly believe that the lessons and successes of my decade at Arcot can all be put to work once again to make USACA a world class sports institution.

DreamCricket: The perception within USACA circles is that you have stayed away from cricket since you lost the election to Gladstone Dainty. In fact, some think you completely disappeared from the scene until now. What do you tell critics who think you have reemerged around election time?

RV: As I said after the 2008 election, there is a time for politics, but when the political season ends, we need to work together and put cricket first. Because, as you know, cricket in USA has plenty of politics, what it really needs is development.

Gladstone Dainty and the newly elected team got their chance to provide leadership. Had I won that election, I would have expected the same opportunity.

DreamCricket: But since you were not front and center over the last three years, maybe that has led to the perception that you have left the cricketing scene.

RV: Nothing could be farther from the truth. I have not stayed away from cricket and will always serve cricket.

Since the last elections, I have remained active at various levels. I have continued my involvement at the grass roots level in NWR. Nationally, I have supported various cricket initiatives – especially youth activities. I advised sports marketing entities to bring professional cricket to the US. I advised USACA officials on fund raising – even arranging senior level meetings with a key potential sponsor.

I held the first of its kind national forum on youth cricket to stitch together the various youth activities – several good things came out of it including a national repository for cricket statistics – a key finding of that forum. This national statistical repository, which DreamCricket.com is hosting, is financed by my foundation. Additionally several institutions got valuable advice on incorporating as 501(c)3 organizations – increasing their ability to raise funds.

I could go on and on, but I guess the point is that I have been, and will continue to be involved in making USA cricket one of the most successful and vibrant cricket organizations in the world. I know it is a very long haul, but I am certain we will get there. So as I said, I have been in the thick of cricket. Probably, the right thing to say would be that I stayed away from the media and have certainly not been heavily involved politically since the last elections.

DreamCricket: Tell us more about your foundation. Why did you start the New Inning Foundation? What are its activities?

RV: There are plenty of small, individual, laudatory initiatives across America to help grow cricket. But there were none that dreamt big and followed up with execution. My vision is that the success and growth of cricket in USA lies in putting significant money, time, effort, and focus on youth cricket. New Inning Foundation has been created with that single objective in mind. There was certainly a need for a philanthropic foundation devoted to promoting, nourishing and celebrating youth cricket in America. New Inning Foundation achieves this by working symbiotically with community organizations whilst leveraging our financial and administrative resources. The funding is provided by me and a few private donors.

The New Inning Foundation has begun in earnest. Its initial focus is on highlighting and recognizing talent at the youth level. Towards that end we set up the national score repository for youth cricket statistics – it now contains scorecards for youth games at regional and national levels. Over time, this repository has been expanded to all inter-regional and ICC cricket. Now that all the scores are recorded, it also enhances transparency when it comes to selection.

Image (right) - Ram Varadarajan

The other thing it enables us to do as a community is to recognize and celebrate talent. The New Inning Foundation was also among the presenters of the USA Cricket Awards last year. In 2010, 10 cricketers were selected for their achievement including such assessments as performing under pressure and commitment. Awards comprised of a plaque and a cash reward.

New Inning Foundation has established scholarships for free indoor net-practice for deserving junior cricketers. The foundation has also supported the expansion of the USYCA and facilitated equipment donations to schools across USA, funded printing of instructional booklets and promotional material by USYCA for students and teachers.

Also, New Inning Foundation has campaigned very hard and been successful in influencing tournament organizations in US cities to take on youth players – by supporting tournament level awards that recognize youth achievement.

We have also supported college assistance programs for youth players.

I see New Inning Foundation becoming a significant contributor to youth cricket development across America, touching the lives of many aspiring cricketers in this country. It is a first of its kind institution in the US and perhaps worldwide.

DreamCricket: That is very impressive and the USA cricket community appreciates your support of the awards. Coming back to the election in 2008, are you still in touch with the three gentlemen who were on your slate who won that election - John Thickett, John Aaron and Manaf Mohamed. Do you think they delivered on the promises that were made last time around as part of the New Inning mandate?

RV: I am indeed in touch with them as I am with several key actors in US cricket – both in person and electronically. I brainstorm with them on several cricket topics including ways to get USACA on a sound financial footing. These are good friends that I can lean on for ideas. In fact, the successes (albeit few) of the last 3 years have been led or championed by these gentlemen – formation of Cricket Holdings America LLC, being one poignant example.

DreamCricket: How do you rate USACA’s performance over the last three years under the leadership of Mr. Gladstone Dainty?

RV: I contested the last election; I am contesting this one. The reasons are largely the same. I feel that USACA management has lacked structure, organizational leadership and transparency. Over the last three years, we have not really seen a common vision as a result of which problems big and small remain unsolved. A consequence of all of this is that there is factionalism, confusion and despair among the cricket lovers, players, volunteers and elected officials. US cricket could have been taken to greater heights and our youth given the opportunities they deserved. My campaign is therefore about addressing all of these. I am confident that I can remedy this.

In the midst of all this, we must not forget that a few bright spots did appear. Women’s cricket got a start. The Pearls Cup was a good one-off event. I like the revival of the KA Auty Cup. The establishment of Cricket Holdings America LLC was clearly a singular major achievement and I am proud to say that members on my 2008 slate were instrumental is bringing this about along with the President and the board. This did bring much needed funds allowing for many of the cricket tours that the U-19, men and women have made. But increased activity also leads to increased expectations - governance & execution need to keep up with that.

I want to look forward – I know that the situation can be improved significantly. It starts with the top - leadership bringing the cricket community together – that will establish the right priorities, formulate the right structure, team and governance, and energize the participants to take things to the next level.

In my view, the leadership should serve the leagues and has to explain the benefit of the decisions to the membership. More efficient communications are naturally very important, which means the President and the board must seek and take input, be open to criticism. USACA must bring value to the leagues beyond just the right to play for the region or for the US team.

DreamCricket: How did you get involved with CHA, LLC? What is your role as a board member?

RV: As I mentioned earlier, I advised entities that wanted to bring professional cricket to US. I was, therefore, educated in the challenges and opportunities that the LLC presented. Here I was, sitting in the Silicon Valley, home to some of the greatest success stories in corporate America. My own story at Arcot Systems is akin to other Silicon Valley success stories. And I told myself that I must deploy that spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship to cricket administration. Cricket Holdings America LLC presented me with that opportunity. And I accepted. Since being part of Cricket Holdings America LLC, I have executed my duties with the same passion, commitment and leadership that I had for Arcot.

DreamCricket: What is your answer to critics that think that you have been 'silenced' by Mr. Dainty by hanging a CHA board position as a carrot? We have seen a lot of criticism lately centered on how the USACA board was not consulted in making board appointments.

RV: I contested “Dainty the President” in the last elections. I have nothing against “Dainty the person”. I talked to him then, and I talk to him now. I have never been afraid to be critical about the quality of his administration or about decisions made by the administration. So let that be on record. The fact that Dainty invited me to be part of CHA goes to show that I am issue-based and not personality-based.

Now, about the USACA board, the workings of the USACA board are outside my knowledge and influence. There could be several reasons for discord on the USACA board over such appointments including mine – speculating over them is not fruitful.

From my standpoint, I was invited by USACA to take a board seat on Cricket Holdings America LLC. I gave it thought and I accepted because I felt that I was fully qualified to join the board and I was confident that I could add value to the board. The USACA board approved.

I am positive that many of the board members that had misgivings about the process that USACA adopted actually have no issues with my candidature or selection - I am very confident of that. Let me also make it very clear – my services are pro bono – there is absolutely no compensation for my time and effort and I expect none.

DreamCricket: Did you not file your nomination to run for the Regional Representative of the North West Region? Why did you withdraw, preferring instead to join the board of CHA, LLC?

RV: I believe USACA had an objective to expand the number of individuals involved in USACA activities. I was told they did not want one person holding two posts. I could continue to help the NWR region in many ways without having the Regional Representative post – and there were several outstanding individuals interested in the position.

The CHA board position was an entire new way to serve US cricket interests; I felt I was uniquely qualified and I am privileged to serve. I will serve US cricket at every opportunity that I have.

DreamCricket: Coming to the process or deficiency of processes at USACA, what would you have done differently? Do you feel that the USACA governance would have been more transparent had you been at the helm? With respect to the commercial deals and with respect to consensus building that has been lacking.

RV: Instead of indulging in hypotheses, let me tell you what I will do differently to immediately improve transparency and confidence. I have a bold new plan for governance and leadership. I will delineate, decentralize, and bring about transparency. Let me explain:

On “delineation”: First, I will separate executive management of USACA from cricket administration. The latter should be left to experts who should work without interference from the executive. The process of appointment of coaches, selectors, selection criteria, etc., these are administrative duties and these processes will be transparent and published.
Second, I will personally take up the job of mending our fences with the ICC and seek their active financial and governance help in putting USACA back on track. Third, I will introduce term limits: Presidents – max of two terms. Term limits are important for smart governance.

Coming to decentralization, USACA has become a large organization and it needs organizational acumen befitting its size. I will delegate more to the VPs and other board members. Everyone in my team will have a well-established portfolio of duties and responsibilities. I will let them perform their duties without interference but with a clear expectation of accountability and ethics. I will also move decision making and funds to the leagues and regions, as a rule. Decentralization also would mean that the administration would have to become more predictable – cricket calendars, board meetings and the like should be on a schedule. Once again, not rocket science; that is how successful companies operate.

Finally, I will bring about transparency. In my administration, all board meetings will have an open and closed session. Most of the cricket business can be discussed in open sessions. The open session will be open to all the league presidents. After all, the board is working on their behalf. This in itself will make the working of the board more civilized and productive –the league presidents can see for themselves what is going on. In the closed session, we will discuss any confidential aspects and personnel matters. The structure, conduct and governance of this board will be no different than how it is done in all successful companies globally. Also, in an effort to improve transparency, I will have town hall meetings every quarter so that the broader cricket community can come together, ask, criticize and learn.

This is a short list but this is how I think change can be ushered in. As President, my role will be to set the right tone at the top. Everything else follows from there.

______________________

Part 2

DreamCricket: Let us talk about the brief and stuttering engagement with the international community.

RV: Having international exposure is critically important for advancing US cricket. That is one reason why our relationship with the ICC needs to be rock solid.

There are two types of international exposure – one where we get professional teams to play in the US – once again, The Pearls Cup is an example of this. Under the LLC agreement, such activity will be organized and managed by the Cricket Holdings America LLC.

The Pearls Cup was a watershed event. It validated that USA could be a destination for cricket and that we could conduct such an event. The event, ground and the financial results from the event clearly need to be improved – however, it provided a critical learning.

The second is where our cricket players play with teams from other nations. The bilateral matches against Jamaica, Canada are all very good for our players. We cannot improve as a team by just playing ICC tournaments.

I also applaud the resumption of the K.A. Auty Cup for another reason. It is a long overdue celebration of a truly historic series. I think USA vs. Canada tradition, with some good marketing, can recapture some of the past glory.

DreamCricket: Do we need a CEO? What are your thoughts on Don Lockerbie's departure?

RV: Absolutely, the role of the CEO is critical for any organization and USACA is no exception. If elected, one of my top priorities will be to fill that post with a competent, committed and respected individual.

I worked well with Mr. Lockerbie. Very soon after his appointment, I met with him and offered my assistance. We discussed various options and strategies – including ways of raising funds for USACA. I am not privy to the exact circumstances leading to his departure.

DreamCricket: What makes you want to contest again? How different is this election from the last one in 2008?

RV: I ran last time because I did not see any other candidate stepping in to lead or bringing change to US cricket. There was a leadership vacuum. There were plenty of folks critical of the then president’s performance – but nobody was willing to make the effort to challenge the status quo. So I stepped in to serve US cricket. I think it was a watershed event.

The campaign that I ran was exemplary. I was a virtual unknown and I invested time to meet league presidents and the cricket community, understanding issues and putting together a slate of candidates from across the country and more importantly I spelt out a platform – that platform is still visible at www.newinning.com

This time, the situation is more acute and the stakes are higher. However, this time the electorate is more informed. The change that is required is more than just running tournaments and complaining. It is more fundamental. It is about restoring cricket to its glorious track in the US. It is about having the leadership, vision and the executive skills to manage a set of diverse interests. I am confident that I can deliver on all those grounds.

DreamCricket: Last time around, you lost by three votes. In fact, one vote in your favor was knocked out due to a technical disqualification. Much has been written about a handful of bogus leagues in 2008, especially in Central East region. Do you agree that things would have turned out differently if bogus leagues were not allowed to vote? What needs to change with respect to the voting process?

RV: The way I see it, I lost by three votes in spite of my message being spot on. There were structural reasons for the loss. First, as you pointed out, there were several fake leagues and they were obviously not voting for me. Second, some legitimate leagues were disqualified from voting on technicalities – if they were allowed to vote, they would have likely supported me. Third, I am a skeptic when it comes to proxy voting. This is pure evil.

What most readers don’t realize is that in the USACA elections proxy voting is allowed. That means a league president can sign over his ballot to another influential official, say a regional director. There is inherently a fear of reprisal. The regional director may retaliate against a league within the region if the league does not vote for the candidate supported by the regional director. This practice must stop. All voting must be by secret ballot. USACA must set aside funds for the league presidents to travel and vote in person. Or they must authenticate the vote through other means. Technology has evolved to facilitate that.

Of late, there is a drive to review the legitimacy of the leagues. I welcome this compliance drive. Had it been in place three years ago, I am confident that I would be the incumbent President.

DreamCricket: What is the way forward in the current situation? People want an election but it is an open secret that there are bogus leagues.

RV: We need a strict, fair and expeditious way to root out the egregious violators. People are skeptical of the current compliance process for a variety of reasons and some of the critics view it as a political tool to silence opponents. The skepticism also stems from timing - it is an election year. I can understand why people are frustrated. But as I have said, we must give this compliance process a chance.

If your question is should we have not initiated a compliance examination sooner, absolutely, I would say yes. USACA should have encouraged a compliance mindset all along, and the membership process should have been well thought through from the beginning.

But once again, we have no option but to look at the future and the changes we want to bring in. If elected, one of the top priorities of my administration will be to make sure that membership is handled in an even handed, transparent, consultative and fair manner.

DreamCricket: USACA published a revised election timeline after the board meeting this past weekend. Do you think the election will be held according to this new schedule?

RV: I am certain it will. The electorate wants an election this year. Remember, the league presidents are the boss – the constitution is the law - not the president or board.

DreamCricket: Of late, there has been a lot of unpleasantness. Elections voided; massive distrust on the board; the Secretary has been suspended. Central East’s regional representative is awaiting recognition despite being voted to this role by a majority of the Central East’s leagues. Atlantic Region’s fate hangs in balance. How will you deal with such a thing if it happens under your watch?

RV: Leadership is about bringing people together towards a common mission. Factions arise when there is no transparency or communication about goals and the process to achieve them. It is simple, but has to be practiced diligently. I will run an administration where the objectives are that it be transparent, accepting of criticism, and predictable.

DreamCricket: But what do you think of the leadership and their methods such as suspension and locking out opponents. How do you feel about that?

RV: Clearly organizational cohesiveness has eluded USACA, so the methods of old have not worked. The beliefs that have worked for me are being transparent, inclusive, fair, and process driven. It worked for me for 30 years of my professional life, and an even longer personal life. I don’t see those beliefs failing me when I am the President of USACA.

DreamCricket: On the field, in the last three years, starting off at Division 5, USA went to 2011 Division 3 but was relegated to 2012 Division 4. In the U-19 WCQ held in Ireland, USA finished seventh among the associates failing to qualify. What is your assessment?

RV: This is clearly a cause for worry. I have spoken personally to US coaches. The good news is that I have been assured that we have the requisite raw skill set in the US. What is not present is the supporting infrastructure to amplify it, polish it and turn it into a winning machine.

Let me explain – USACA has done nothing to improve playing conditions – there is no increase in turf wickets, the number of qualified coaches and umpires have not increased in any meaningful way. Even when assistance from the ICC is available – these are being frittered away in mismanagement. We have to increase the pool of qualified players and have a well understood selection process so that players understand that skills and performance will be rewarded. Umpiring too should be consistent and standards are urgently needed.

I also believe that we need to redouble our efforts to attract a greater cross section of US society to cricket. I have been encouraging this by supporting Jamie Harrison’s efforts at USYCA - with schools across the country – for which I have been bestowed the “Patron of Youth Cricket” honor. Similarly, we need to redouble our efforts to attract girls to cricket and continue to nurture our nascent efforts with women players.

We also need to encourage and equip US teams to play the 20/20 format without taking away from other formats. This format will become an important avenue for professional cricket in the US and our players need every opportunity to make a mark and be noticed in this format.

DreamCricket: What needs to be done for the players? How will you change things at the age-group level and senior level?

RV: USA has shown that once it focuses on a sport, it can improve its rankings on merit. The best place to start this is at age-group level where disparity among talent is not so huge that it cannot be bridged through channeling resources. I will make such resources available both at national and league levels. By delineating executive management from cricket professionals – there will be a clear separation of duties. The cricket experts and the players themselves will guide us on the coaching, facilities, stipends, match practice and other needs of players. I will, along with the rest of the executive management, generate the funding to fulfill these needs.

In my view, there is nothing to prevent the US U-19 team from placing in the top four by 2020. That means we need to start in 2012 at the U11 level. Once we aim for that, the success in the adult tournaments will follow naturally.

Being on the board of the CHA LLC, I also see another advantage that we can bring to bear – we can provide a professional career path for US cricket players.

DreamCricket: There were some positive steps like bringing in Dipak Patel to coach the U-19 squad for the 2010 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, Robin Singh was brought in to coach the U-19 team in Ireland, etc. Of course, a lot of money was borrowed or drawn down from CHA to accomplish some of these things.

RV: Both of these gentlemen are fine individuals and I have great respect for them. Every team out there has good coaches. The world of cricket is very competitive and there is no substitute for hard work and a goal-oriented approach.

We cannot have a haphazard process of selection and then throw the team together at the last minute. It is unfair on the players and the coaches. It is a miracle that we did as well as we did in some of the tournaments. Yes, with a little luck we would have qualified for the U-19 World Cup. But we need to give luck an opportunity to swing our way by assiduous preparation.

DreamCricket: You know Nabeel Ahmed, Kenvyn Williams, and Maq Qureshi have already announced their candidacy. Looks like there are others too waiting to declare their candidacy, what do you think is important for the voters as they figure out who to vote for?

RV: I am glad that there are contestants – that shows that the electorate cares. I am counting on the fact that the electorate is better informed. We are living in times where the world is rising up and demanding good governance and leadership. The time is now for the old ways to fall and new leadership and governance to take root. My resume and track record clearly set me apart from the other candidates – I will take my message to the league presidents – they know what is important and I am sure they will make a wise choice.

DreamCricket: What is your financial vision?

RV: Putting USACA on a firm financial footing will be one of my highest priorities as president. A financially stable USACA can then support a number of programs. I firmly believe that empowerment at the local level is essential for USACA. It is consistent with my philosophy to decentralize to the leagues and regions wherever possible.

USACA has two fundamental duties. First, it has to provide the framework, structure and governance for growing the sport, and fund the regions and leagues to execute at the local level. Second, it has to provide a forum for teams to play competitive cricket within the US and outside – with other nations and clubs.

I will put in place the following financial model to support this in an efficient way. USACA must set up funds for national tournaments and the duties that it has direct responsibility for. USACA must set the goal posts, provide the framework; appoint national level custodians for coaching, umpiring and the like; and spell out the standards that it expects leagues and regions to maintain. Then, USACA should get out of the way. USACA should become a medium for channeling funds to the regions and leagues to achieve the objectives. For example, USACA can specify that leagues start youth programs and women’s programs; meet the set standards for umpiring, coaching, facilities and the like – and provide funds to achieve these. Refresh grants would depend on the progress that the leagues make.

We have to get to a state where USACA is making meaningful contributions to the regions and leagues so that they can advance. My administration will accomplish all these - we will raise funds, set goals, incentives, and reward the right behavior.

DreamCricket: What is your organizational vision?

RV: Once elected, the USACA organization should understand that its job is to serve the cricket leagues in the US and not be the master. I will ensure that there is separation of administrative function from cricket management function. This is the delineation that I spoke about earlier. Among other appointments, there will be a national coach to orchestrate a national blueprint and support local activity. The president is the chief administrator not the chief selector. None of this is news for people who have been involved in professional, winning organizations. My goal would be to bring the same tried and tested models of success to cricket in the US.

As mentioned earlier, I will appoint a CEO at the earliest possible. Also, every officer on the board will have a portfolio and the ability and responsibility to execute competently and ethically. The task on hand is very large and requires more specialized skills than the board will possess. This is where volunteers can come in. We are blessed to be in a country where there is phenomenal skill and a spirit of volunteerism. I will broaden the management team by bringing on a 20 person national team of volunteer-leaders for special tasks like event organization, PR, NCAA relations, local government liaison, sponsorship generation, high school outreach, etc. We can also amplify our youth and women's cricket development with specialized help.

I will increase professionalism in cricket operations by appointing a paid national coach and converting most of the cricketing positions to be paid ones. We have for far too long counted on volunteers to go above and beyond. Volunteerism is of course very welcome; however, it cannot be a substitute for professional attention. We need a scalable option that will bring in the skill levels that we need to improve the quality of our game. So in my administration, all officials – coaches, managers, and umpires – will be compensated for their time and effort.

DreamCricket: Where do you see USACA in three years under your leadership?

RV: I see USACA as a harmonious, well-functioning organization. It will have an excellent relationship with the ICC – be a model. It will function predictably. It will be decentralized – we need to push the benefits and much of the decision making down to the leagues. The leagues are the building blocks of cricket in the US. I expect the number of leagues to have increased. USACA will have plenty of funds to carry out its normal cricketing activities – the majority of funds reaching the regions and leagues. USACA will also be working in close cooperation with the Cricket Holdings America LLC thereby giving a path for our cricket players to play professionally. I expect we would have improved cricketing conditions -- built turf wickets, have a fully functioning coaching and umpiring infrastructure and so on. I would also predict that all our cricketing teams will fare better – men, women and youth.

DreamCricket: Maq Qureshi has been spending a lot of his own money in promoting cricket - thereby filling a vast gap at the grassroots level. He has also run a successful tournament in Florida. Nabeel’s generosity over the years has also been written about on DreamCricket.com and elsewhere. You too have been donating through your organization but with longer-term goals. And all of you are running in an election. You are putting leagues in a tough situation, especially since the leagues have benefited from the generosity of all of you.

RV: Any one working to expand the cricket action is doing the game a service. It is all very welcome. There are many others who are also writing large checks but are not getting nor seeking recognition. But this election is about vision, leadership, integrity and governance. It is not about “cricket philanthropy” it is about “cricket leadership”.

DreamCricket: Your claim to fame is your network, integrity, executive management, and corporate track record. But in this economy, do you think you can raise the kind of money and build the kind of support that USACA needs?

RV: Absolutely yes. There is always business going on in every economy. A good idea and a good team will always be successful. It is all about the value that we bring. There is plenty of money available for cricket – spent by American sponsors on foreign soil. We need to sell the value of being associated with an upcoming US sport – I know how to sell concepts and value. I have raised over $100 million doing exactly that – in some instances on the basis of an idea on a PowerPoint slide. Even in the worst economic climate there is a dearth of good ideas and always a shortage of capable, committed and proven talent.

Not to forget, another source of funding for USACA is through Cricket Holdings America LLC. I will ensure that we do our part to enable success of the LLC. That will guarantee us a significant stream of revenue every year. I already serve on the LLC board – so it will be easier to work to common benefit.

DreamCricket: Nabeel Ahmed has been talking of changing the way USACA is run. How do you feel about his decision to resign and his candidacy for the election?

RV: I respect Nabeel as a gentleman and a sincere patron of cricket. But here is someone who has played two innings as VP and USACA has not improved much. If you have a seat at the table, you must do your very best to change the ways of the organization.

Escaping is not leadership – the ability to stand up and steer the organization to a righteous path is what is wanted today. I welcome Nabeel as a well wisher and patron of cricket – but not at the helm of this organization.

DreamCricket: Aren’t you late to the election? I mean, others have announced months ago and the leagues may have committed themselves to them.

RV: I saw no advantage in making a press announcement when the election itself was not announced. My own campaign is ongoing and it is progressing very well. I have already begun conversations with the league presidents. I am glad to report that they are very engaged – tough but fair. Most importantly, I am very pleased and energized with the response and support that I am getting.

I will run a professional campaign, just like I did last time around. My election website is www.USAcricketVision.com and I encourage everyone to visit. My contact information is posted there as well.

DreamCricket: Thanks for your time.

RV: You are very welcome. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to the US cricket community.

Dish Network, SG Cricket join impressive list of sponsors for Radiant Info Atlantic Region Inter-league

openingbat — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:37:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

USACA's Atlantic Region reached out to supporters and sponsors of cricket in a sponsorship drive to enhance the appeal of the Atlantic Region Inter-league tournament.

Radiant Info, a prominent sponsor of cricket in the region has signed on as the Title Sponsor and the tournament will now be called the Radiant Info Atlantic Region Inter-league.

The Radiant Info trophy and a cash prize of $1000 will be presented to the winner of the inter-league.

Pic (right): Aditya Mishra receiving a prize from NJ Deputy Speaker Upendra Chivukula at NJ's Radiant Info T20 event. (File photo)

Speaking on the sidelines of the ICUSA vs CLNJ match on May 30th, Venu Myneni, CEO of Radiant Info, said: "We are proud to be associated with yet another premier championship in the region. This tournament will not only decide the best league across the Atlantic Region, it will provide a stepping stone for greater visibility if you are an aspirational cricketer."

Dish Network, the leader in cricket programming in USA, has signed on as a Gold Sponsor. The tournament MVP will receive the Dish Network MVP Award and a gift certificate valued at $250.

The New Inning Foundation, a supporter of youth cricket across the country, will also step in as a Gold Sponsor.

The New Inning Foundation will present the New Inning Emerging Player award and a $250 gift certificate to the best U-19 player in the tournament. Speaking about his organization's support, Ram Varadarajan, Founder of the New Inning Foundation said: "I am pleased that the tournament rules encourage U19 cricketers by giving a bonus point for a winning effort by a team that includes an U19 cricketer."

SG Cricket has agreed to come on board as an equipment sponsor. The tournament will be played using SG Test balls and the Best Batsman will receive the SG Best Batsman trophy and a cricket bat made by SG.

InfoDrive and DreamCricket.com signed up as silver sponsors. The top bowler and best fielder will each receive the InfoDrive Medal and four free hours at DreamCricket indoor nets. DreamCricket.com team will also lend its score repository system for the tournament.

[If you wish to sponsor cricket in the region or assist with fundraising, please email frontfoot@dreamcricket.com. SG sponsorship courtesy of Bedessee Imports.]

Towards a better inter-league system - The case of Atlantic Region Inter-league!

openingbat — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:31:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

By Venu Palaparthi

Comments

Creating a strong Inter-league system

A strong and competent zonal cricketing system forms the backbone of the domestic cricket structure in most cricket playing countries. Cricketers aspiring to play for their country must rise through the ranks of club cricket, and pass through inter-league cricket, and from there progress to the national team.

By inference, players should choose country over region, region over league, and league over club. That is the natural order.

In USA, I know of cricketers who would rather play for their club when they could be playing for their league. This is not a case of cricketers choosing to play for an IPL team instead of their country - after all, money is not the draw in USA's club cricket.

In the absence of a clearly merit-based heirarchical selection structure, there is no compelling reason to turn out for the league when they could be playing for the club.

Another reason I frequently hear is that the inter-league is not very challenging. A successful zonal competition presupposes parity among the leagues that take part. In several regions in the US, because not all leagues can put together a 'strong' side, a player might find an inter-club match more challenging than an inter-league match.

This problem be easily resolved by creating a divisional structure so as not to dilute the competition. Even India's Ranji trophy has a super-league and a plate-league!

In summary, players are likely to embrace the zonal inter-league system if the competition forms an integral part of a heirarchical selection structure.

A successful zonal competition also has the potential to generate huge local interest. In theory, two leagues playing each other could attract the support (and eyeballs) of their entire leagues as opposed to two clubs playing each other within a league. This greater interest should be sufficient to encourage local sponsors to get involved at the inter-league.

Atlantic Region Inter-league receives sponsorship interest

The Atlantic Region, like every other USACA region, has had an inter-league tournament as part of its playing calendar for some years now. Even though a good number of the top players do play in the inter-league, a concerted effort is being made by the region to give the inter-league its rightful place in the pecking order.

First things first, the league has received a sponsorship boost.

Radiant Info, a prominent sponsor of cricket in the region has signed on as the Title Sponsor. As a result of the sponsorship initiatives, the tournament will now be called the 'Radiant Info Atlantic Region Inter-league Tournament.'

InfoDrive, CES, New Inning Foundation and DreamCricket.com have joined the list of sponsors. In addition, DreamCricket.com will lend its score repository system for the tournament.

While a trophy and a cash prize of $1000 will be presented to the winner of the inter-league, rewards and medals will also be awarded to the tournament MVP, the best bowler, the best batsman and the best fielder of the tournament. The New Inning Foundation will present a $250 gift certificate and the New Inning Emerging Player award to the region's U-19 player in the tournament.

The prizes, sponsorship interest and greater visibility are certain to enhance player participation in the inter-league. But that is only half the battle. A more important determinant of success is the emphasis that the leagues and the region place in encouraging the best senior and U-19 players to take part in the inter-league.

New Inning Foundation donates to USYCA. Offers matching pledge.

openingbat — Mon, 09 May 2011 13:06:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

New Inning Foundation has announced a $500 donation to USYCA for the purchase of additional American Cricket Champ sets. This marks the third major gift from New Inning to USYCA in the past year, and demonstrates the foundations’ determination to support promising youth cricket initiatives.

Pic (Right): A student of Browbell Talbot, a school that received a free kit from USYCA, expressed his thanks.

Ram Varadarajan of New Inning Foundation said, “I have always believed that for Americans to enjoy cricket they must first have an opportunity to play cricket in a fun setting so that they can experience the joy of hitting the ball, scoring runs, fielding and taking a wicket! Thanks to USYCA’s cricket clinics and demos at schools across the country, more and more kids are getting a chance to enjoy cricket. At New Inning, we are happy to contribute to this wonderful initiative.”

Above and beyond the direct donation, New Inning will match, dollar for dollar up to $500, all direct donations given to USYCA from Saturday May 7 through Friday, May 13.

“USYCA is honored to have the continuing friendship of New Inning Foundation,” President Jamie Harrison said. “Ram and his organization have been in our corner, and in youth cricket’s corner, from the very outset, and have been willing to give significant funding to make our vision possible.

“With the New Inning matching campaign, a challenge has been set before us, and I’m confident that USYCA’s supporters will rise to the occasion, as they always do.”

The matching drive ends on Friday, May 13.

To give to USYCA via Paypal or a credit card go to: Support Youth Cricket

Checks are accepted at:
USYCA
1211 Aster Drive
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

2010 Radiant Info USA Cricket Awards: Junior Cricketer of the Year - Saqib Saleem

openingbat — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:42:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

By Peter Della Penna

DreamCricket.com is wrapping up the year in United States Cricket by recognizing USA’s standout performers at the international level. The 2010 Radiant Info Junior Cricketer of the Year is Saqib Saleem.

Junior cricket in America received a big boost of confidence when USA’s U-19 team qualified for the 2010 ICC U-19 World Cup in New Zealand. It was only the second time in history that USA had qualified for a World Cup at any level of cricket.

Through his performances in Canada at the U-19 World Cup Qualifier, Saleem was a major reason why USA was able to get to New Zealand. When he arrived in Queenstown, Saleem picked up right where he left off, producing a series of impressive bowling performances and when given an opportunity, solid contributions with the bat.

He finished as USA’s leading wicket-taker at the U-19 World Cup, taking 10 in six games, twice as many wickets as his next best teammate. The leg-spinner's 10 wickets were also good enough to tie for 9^th overall in the tournament and he took them at an average of 14.50. His best performance was in a match reduced to 41 overs against Zimbabwe where he took 4 for 38 in a tough 5-wicket loss.

With the bat, he finished fifth on USA in runs scored at the event. His best effort was 62 against Ireland, the fourth highest score ever produced in a single innings by a USA player at the U-19 World Cup.

In recognition of his achievement, Saleem will receive a plaque as well as a $250 gift certificate sponsored by the New Inning Foundation, DreamCricket.com and Radiant Info.

About the Radiant Info USA Cricket Awards

2010 Radiant Info USA Cricket Awards: Comeback Player of the Year - Sushil Nadkarni

openingbat — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 02:57:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

By Peter Della Penna

DreamCricket.com is wrapping up the year in United States Cricket by recognizing USA’s standout performers at the international level. The 2010 Radiant Info Comeback Player of the Year is Sushil Nadkarni.

Pic (Right): Sushil Nadkarni top-scored against Tanzania with 68 not out including three boundaries and eight sixes. [File photo]

On August 1, 2009, Nadkarni suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon playing for the Central West Region at the Western Conference Tournament in Minneapolis, Minn. It typically takes at least six to nine months to completely rehabilitate such an injury. With USA scheduled to participate in two major tournaments early in 2010, he was in a race against time to be healthy enough to participate.

Nadkarni was rushed back into USA’s squad for the February tour to the UAE and Nepal, but it was clear he was not 100% fit. He struggled throughout the tour, but repaid the team’s faith in him with a heroic 57 not out in a must-win game to lead USA to a 5-wicket win over Nepal at ICC WCL Division Five, guaranteeing the team qualification to Division Four.

Once he returned to full fitness, Nadkarni was a menace to the opposition. At the ICC Americas Division One tournament in Bermuda during May and June, he scored USA’s quickest century of the year, notching 101 not out in 54 balls in a 10-wicket win over Cayman Islands.

In August, Nadkarni collected three Man of the Match awards at ICC WCL Division Four before taking away the award for Player of the Tournament as USA defeated host team Italy in the final to win the event. Nadkarni was the leading scorer for USA in Italy with 216 runs and finished third overall in the tournament.

In 2010, he averaged 59.11 in 14 innings for USA in 50-over matches, the highest average for USA during the year. He also finished third overall in total runs in 50-over matches for USA with 532 in 2010. The figures would be remarkable for any player, but especially one coming off a career-threatening injury. However, Nadkarni is arguably now fitter than ever and his performances in 2010 have made his comeback truly special.

In recognition of his achievement, Nadkarni will receive a plaque as well as a $250 gift certificate sponsored by the New Inning Foundation, DreamCricket.com and Radiant Info.

About the Radiant Info Cricket Awards

2010 Radiant Info USA Cricket Awards: Individual Performance of the Year - Lennox Cush

openingbat — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 02:47:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

By Peter Della Penna

DreamCricket.com is wrapping up the year in United States Cricket by recognizing USA’s standout performers at the international level. The 2010 Radiant Info Individual Performance of the Year belongs to Lennox Cush for his 55-ball century against Italy in the final of ICC World Cricket League Division Four played in Bologna, Italy.

Pic (Right): Lennox Cush will receive a plaque and $250 gift certificate courtesy of New Inning Foundation, DreamCricket.com and Radiant Info for his merciless 55-ball century against Italy. [File photo]

There were many brilliant solo efforts produced by USA players in 2010. Sushil Nadkarni scored a record 54-ball century against Cayman Islands in Bermuda. Aditya Thyagarajan posted the year’s highest score with 159 against Argentina in Bermuda. Thyagarajan and Rashard Marshall also scored vitally important centuries when USA was in trouble against Argentina in Italy. However, Cush’s performance tops them all because it came in a tournament final against a team that had previously beaten USA in the same event.

In USA’s first match against Italy at WCL Division Four, they were knocked back by the hosts, who posted a total of 212 batting first on their way to a convincing 51-run victory over the visitors. USA was aiming for revenge in a rematch at the final three days later. Batting first again, Italy was restricted to 185 in the final, but it still seemed that the match was evenly balanced especially after the way their bowlers performed in the round-robin contest.

Enter Cush, who was promoted up the order from his usual spot at number four to open USA’s chase in aggressive fashion, which is an understatement to say the least. Cush showed no respect and no mercy to Italy’s bowlers, tearing into them for 14 fours and four sixes, before he eventually departed for 101.

USA had been bowled out for 161 in 41.2 overs in their first matchup versus Italy. In round two, USA won by 8 wickets as they finished 188 for 2 in 21.4 overs, a stark contrast to how things ended up three days prior. USA’s dramatic turnaround was due in large part to Cush. He was an easy choice for Man of the Match in the Division Four final.

In recognition of his achievement, Cush will receive a plaque as well as a $250 gift certificate sponsored by the New Inning Foundation, DreamCricket.com and Radiant Info.

About the Radiant Info Cricket Awards

2010 Radiant Info USA Cricket Awards: Newcomer of the Year - Muhammad Ghous

openingbat — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:53:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

By Peter Della Penna

DreamCricket.com is wrapping up the year in United States Cricket by recognizing USA’s standout performers at the international level. The 2010 Radiant Info Newcomer of the Year is 20-year-old off-spin bowler Muhammad Ghous.

Pic (Right): Muhammad Ghous will receive a plaque and a $250 gift certificate courtesy of New Inning Foundation and Radiant Info

Ghous had been building a strong profile in 2009 for his performances while helping the USA U-19 team qualify for the 2010 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

While he won the Tournament MVP award at the 2009 U-19 National Tournament after leading the tournament in runs scored for the Atlantic Region, it was his bowling that really came on strong in Canada and New Zealand.

After coming back from New Zealand, Ghous participated at selection trials in New York in April in an effort to make the squad that would be going to Bermuda in May for the ICC Americas Division One tournament. Ghous did enough to impress and wound up making his debut for USA before the tour of Bermuda against Jamaica when he took 2 for 42 in Florida and he never looked back.

His best figures came against Tanzania at ICC World Cricket League Division Four in Italy where he took 4 for 15 in a 10-wicket win. He was instrumental throughout that tournament in helping USA win the Division Four title.

Ghous finished the year as USA’s third highest wicket taker with 21 in 15 matches. He took five wickets in as many Twenty20 matches while he took 16 wickets in 10 50-over games. He was also USA’s most economical bowler of the year in 50-over matches, giving up 2.87 runs per over in 90 overs bowled.

The future is bright for Ghous and he is one player USA will be expecting to build around for the next several years. As a newcomer to USA’s senior squad, he stepped up to the challenge and always managed to come through for his team and country.

In recognition of his achievement, Ghous will receive a plaque as well as a $250 gift certificate sponsored by the New Inning Foundation, DreamCricket.com and Radiant Info.

DreamCricket.com announces Radiant Info USA Cricket Awards

openingbat — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 04:17:00 GMT

Now, you can get all the USA Cricket updates via Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter via @dreamcricket

By Peter Della Penna

The year in cricket is ending, but DreamCricket.com is beginning something new by establishing its first ever Radiant Info USA Cricket Awards. With so many tremendous players and outstanding performances, it is only fitting that the players and people who have done their best to make USA shine bright on the international stage be recognized for their efforts.

Each award will comprise of a plaque recognizing the recipient and a gift certificate worth $250 sponsored by the New Inning Foundation, DreamCricket.com and Radiant Info.

"An essential component of cricket development is to celebrate the achievements of the cricketers and cricket supporters. At DreamCricket.com, we have wanted to launch these awards for some years now and I would like to thank Radiant Info and the New Inning Foundation for helping us realize this dream" Kranthi Bayya, CEO of DreamCricket.com said.

In 2010, there were 49 players who represented USA in tournaments around the globe at the U-19, women’s and senior cricket levels. All of them deserve to be commended for making it into the final playing XI for any USA team. However, in the player category, the Radiant Info USA Cricket awards will only honor the best of the best from among USA’s national teams.

Each weekday for the next two weeks, DreamCricket.com will unveil the winner of each of the nine player awards on offer in 2010. That will be followed around Christmas by awards recognizing off-field efforts and initiatives.

In the Player category, following are the 2010 Radiant Info USA Cricket Awards:

Tuesday, December 7 - Newcomer of the Year
Wednesday, December 8 - Individual Performance of the Year
Thursday, December 9 - Comeback Player of the Year
Friday, December 10 - Twenty20 Player of the Year
Monday, December 13 – Batsman of the Year
Tuesday, December 14 – Bowler of the Year
Wednesday, December 15 – Women’s Cricketer of the Year
Thursday, December 16 – Junior Cricketer of the Year
Friday, December 17 – Cricketer of the Year

The awards have been decided based on a combination of factors including statistical achievement, performing under pressure, and giving their best effort to represent USA in 2010. The players were judged on their performances in USA’s international commitments. These included the ICC U-19 World Cup, ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, ICC WCL Division Five, The Pearls Cup vs. Jamaica, ICC Americas Division One, ICC Americas Women’s Championship and ICC WCL Division Four.

It is inevitable that the awards will be debated, particularly in relation to the statistical aspects of the awards presented to players who represented USA at the senior level. DreamCricket.com has compiled complete stats for every player at the senior level and is providing this to fans so they can witness and analyze the data that each player was judged on. It includes all 23 senior players who represented USA during 2010 in 19 50-over and nine Twenty20 matches. While healthy debate is encouraged, please congratulate each and every award winner.

USA Cricket 2010 Stats Analysis

USA Batting Stats for 50-over matches

USA Bowling Stats for 50-over matches

USA Batting Stats for T20 matches

USA Bowling Stats for T20 matches