California pushes to make cricket an official high school sport

During a recent government meeting, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 211 (ACR 211) was discussed, which aims to encourage the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to officially recognize cricket as a high school sport. Cricket, a game with roots in the United Kingdom dating back to the 19th century, has gained significant popularity worldwide, including in the United States, where over 200,000 individuals participate in the sport.

California has emerged as a key hub for American cricket, hosting two of the six Major League Cricket teams and preparing to reintroduce cricket as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, marking its first Olympic appearance since 1900. The sport holds particular significance for many members of California's South Asian diaspora, who view it as an integral part of their cultural heritage.

Despite its popularity and cultural importance, cricket has yet to be recognized as an official high school sport in California, limiting students' opportunities to engage with the game in school settings. ACR 211 seeks to address this gap by urging the CIF to consider cricket for official recognition if proposed by one of its member schools. The resolution also highlights the importance of supporting cricket at the collegiate level, ensuring a pathway for continued play beyond high school.

The meeting featured testimony from Dan Sahadeo, president of the Davis Cricket Club, who supported the resolution and emphasized the need for cricket's recognition in schools. ACR 211 not only celebrates the rich history of cricket but also aims to secure a promising future for the sport in California.