Baseball may be America’s pastime — but for millions across the Caribbean, cricket holds that title. And in South Florida, where large Caribbean communities have put down roots, the sport is experiencing a major surge in popularity.
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From Broward County parks to youth academies, cricket is becoming one of the region’s fastest‑growing sports, fueled by families determined to keep cultural traditions alive while introducing the game to their U.S.-born children.
A Rapidly Growing Cricket Hub
Lauderhill has become a centerpiece of American cricket. The city hosted Major League Cricket matches last year, drawing crowds from across the Caribbean diaspora.
“Cricket has an amazing, rich history in the Caribbean,” said Johnny Grave, CEO of Major League Cricket. “It’s a massive part of the culture and identity of the Caribbean… the one thing that binds the Caribbean together.”
As professional leagues expand, South Florida’s cricket footprint continues to grow — from recreational leagues to international‑level events.
Teaching the Game — and the Culture Behind It
At the Florida Cricket Academy, coaches are focused on more than batting technique and bowling form. They’re using the sport to teach discipline, teamwork, and cultural pride.
“Being in South Florida, there’s a lot of West Indian children trying to get involved in cricket,” said Timmy Surujbally, the academy’s head coach. “I hope we can get more Caribbean youngsters joining the academy to continue that great West Indian legacy.”
Surujbally said watching young players embrace the sport gives him “that joy and that heritage from the Caribbean.”
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The academy’s founder, Wayne Ramnarine, created the program to give kids a structured place to learn the sport — and their roots.
“We began as a place for kids to keep their culture, learn about their culture, learn about the sport,” Ramnarine said. “There was cricket going on, but no structured program where kids could learn the proper way.”
A Bridge Between Generations
For many families, cricket is a link between the Caribbean and their American lives — a way for children born in the U.S. to stay connected to the traditions their parents and grandparents grew up with.
And as the sport gains visibility nationwide, advocates say it’s reaching new audiences.
“Here in the U.S., a big part of our long‑term strategy is getting cricket into mainstream schools and the college system,” said Grave. “That’s crucial for more people to understand the game, become aware of it, and hopefully want to play it.”
Cricket’s Olympic Return
Cricket is set to reach an even wider global audience when it returns to the Summer Olympics at the LA28 Games in Los Angeles. Both men’s and women’s tournaments will be played in the fast‑paced T20 format.
It will mark cricket’s first Olympic appearance in 128 years, following its only previous inclusion at the 1900 Paris Games.
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