California pushes to recognize cricket as high school sport

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around Assembly Concurrent Resolution 211 (ACR 211), which aims to encourage the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to officially recognize cricket as a high school sport. Proponents highlighted cricket's rich history and its growing popularity in the United States, where over 200,000 individuals currently play the game.

Cricket, which originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century, has become a significant part of the cultural fabric for many in California, particularly within the South Asian diaspora. The state has emerged as a hub for American cricket, hosting two of the six Major League Cricket teams and preparing for cricket's reintroduction as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics—marking its first appearance since 1900.

Despite its popularity, cricket has yet to be recognized as an official high school sport in California, limiting students' opportunities to engage in the game through school programs. ACR 211 seeks to address this gap by urging the CIF to consider cricket for official recognition if proposed by member schools. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of supporting cricket at the collegiate level.

Dan Sahadeo, president of the Davis Cricket Club, provided testimony in support of the resolution, sharing his long-standing commitment to promoting the sport since 1980. He underscored the necessity of introducing cricket to youth in schools, noting the logistical challenges faced in integrating the sport into physical education programs. Sahadeo expressed hope that fostering youth participation could eventually lead to opportunities for young athletes to compete at the Olympic level.

The meeting underscored a collective effort to ensure cricket's future in California, celebrating its historical significance while advocating for its growth in educational settings.