The American Cricket Council (ACC), headquartered in New Jersey with administrative offices at TV Asia (300 Fidelity Plaza, North Brunswick, NJ 08902), has announced a coordinated national initiative to develop cricket at the school and collegiate levels in the United States. The program includes the Cricket Hall of Fame (ChoF) Inter-School Championship, the Intercollegiate Super Cup, and a Super League tournament. Param Veers Sports Complex in Atlanta will serve as the principal competition venue and the year-round home of ACC events, as well as the USA Center for Excellence in cricket for players and a home for coaches training center.

Organizational Structure and Locations

ACC administration will operate from TV Asia offices in New Jersey. The Cricket Hall of Fame is based in Hartford, Connecticut, while Param Veers Sports Complex in Atlanta will host ACC’s national competitions and development activities. Leadership and operational staffing are expected to be in place within months and will draw heavily on recent graduates of U.S. colleges and universities who possess competitive cricket experience at national, regional, or representative levels.

Leadership and Partnerships

The initiative is supported by seasoned leaders in the cricket community. Dr. H. R. Shah (CEO & Chairman of TV Asia, recipient of the Padma Shri award) joins Mr. Michael Chambers (Executive Director & Founder, Cricket Hall of Fame) in supporting the program. Jayesh Patel, owner of Param Veers Sports Complex and Cricket Hall of Famer, and Jatin Patel, Director of the Cricket Hall of Fame and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award, will provide program leadership. Jatin Patel will also lead ACF coaching and school/college cricket education. Ashok P. Patel, Cricket Hall of Famer and founder president of USA Cricket Academy, has announced his support for cricket education in schools and for advancing coach training at higher levels. Cricket show USA will be one of the media partners and many other organizations are expected to join.

Program Elements and Membership

The ACC initiative will introduce three membership categories: student-athletes, coaches/academies, and umpires. Coaches will function as local liaisons, with structured opportunities for remuneration tied to program responsibilities. A group of educators will address academic support and scholarship administration, while major financial resources are expected to come from sponsorships and commercial partnerships.

Intercollegiate Super Cup and Scholarship Program

The Intercollegiate Super Cup is targeted to launch in 2027 at Param Veers Sports Complex, with an initial field of at least 12 teams and the capacity to expand to 24 or more. Where individual schools lack standalone teams, combined regional teams will be accommodated to ensure broad participation. The ACC intends to offer a scholarship program for eligible college cricket players; scholarships will prioritize NCAA-eligible student-athletes at Division I, II and III institutions in the United States and Canada. Eligibility criteria will emphasize academic standing and active participation in college cricket. Preference in scholarship selection is expected to favor undergraduate students under the age of 25, although graduate students meeting criteria may also be eligible.

Eligibility, Scope, and Governance

Initially, scholarship eligibility will be limited to NCAA-affiliated institutions in the U.S. and Canada, with potential future expansion to include Caribbean institutions. The ACC program is designed to operate independently of established governing bodies and elected officials, following an organizational model analogous to college soccer: league and scholarship administration managed directly by the ACC and its partners ACEC for educational and scholastic needs.

Next Steps and Implementation

Administration and management teams will be assembled in the coming months. The ACC will finalize competition formats, membership processes, scholarship application and selection procedures, and coach education curricula. Funding strategies will focus on sponsorship development and commercial partnerships to sustain scholarships and program operations. Param Veers Sports Complex will host initial competitions and serve as the operational center for coaching education and player development.

Conclusion

This coordinated initiative aims to professionalize and expand cricket opportunities in U.S. schools and colleges, combining competitive events, coach education, and scholarship pathways to foster domestic talent and broaden access to higher education for cricket-playing students.

Thornton, Colorado, USA: The inauguration of the new lighted cricket pitch and ground at the Thornton Sports Complex marks a significant milestone in the development of cricket within the region. The event was officiated by renowned West Indian cricket legend and Hall of Famer Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who officially opened the facility on October 4, 2025. This ground is dedicated to fostering youth and school cricket, particularly benefiting the Adams 12 Five Star Schools, including Thornton High School and its middle schools.

The cricket ground is notable for being the first in Thornton, Colorado to feature lighting, enabling evening & night matches and training sessions. The facility’s opening was attended by distinguished guests, including Jan Kulmann, the Mayor of Thornton, Jatin Patel, a respected multi-sports coach and cricket Hall of Famer with lifetime achievement award, as well as officials from the City of Thornton and local schools. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the growth of cricket in the community.

During the ceremony, Mayor Jan Kulmann emphasized the importance of cricket as a unifying sport that connects families, neighbors, and diverse cultures. She highlighted the role of cricket in fostering community spirit and youth development. The presence of Shivnarine Chanderpaul served as an inspiration to aspiring young cricketers, and the event provided an opportunity for local student-athletes from Thornton Middle School and Thornton High School to showcase their talents.

Guests from the left, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jan Kulmann, Mayor, Jatin Patel, Manoj Gangwar & Donna Lyle

The event also recognized the efforts of the Colorado Tennis Cricket League (CTCL), which spearheaded the project to expand cricket in local schools. Manoj Gangwar, Anil Vijay from CTCL , Fareed Stanikzai and Charlene Fauls from School District, Vinod Murthy from DYCA key advocate and contributor to youth cricket development in Colorado, was acknowledged for his dedication. The new facility is expected to support ongoing training and development programs, including youth initiatives and school cricket activities.

Reflecting on the growth of cricket in Colorado, Jatin Patel recalled his initial visit in September 2017, when he was invited by Raymond Mascarenhas of the Colorado Cricket League to train local  Crickt Coaches for youth cricket. Since then, the sport has experienced significant progress, driven by dedicated individuals like Manoj Gangwar, who has played a vital role in establishing cricket grounds and nurturing young talent in the region.

Colorado Tennis Cricket League committee from Left,  Paramasivan Thiyagarajan, Gopikrishna Thatipamula, Manoj Gangwar, Praveen Gaikwad, Geo George Vadakkan

Overall, the opening of this cricket ground signifies a promising future for cricket in Thornton and Colorado at large. It provides a vital infrastructure for training, competitions, and community engagement, fostering the sport’s growth and encouraging the next generation of cricketers. The community’s commitment to developing cricket as a sport and cultural activity underscores its potential to become a prominent aspect of local sports and youth development programs.

Geo George Vadakkan, CTCL President Welcomes Legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul

On behalf of the Colorado Tennis Cricket League (CTCL), I am delighted to share our heartfelt appreciation with everyone who contributed to the success of our recent award ceremony. Special thanks to Mr. Jatin Patel, whose unwavering support since 2017 have been instrumental in shaping CTCL into the thriving league it is today. His guidance and expertise have not only elevated our league but also fostered the growth of individual players. We are also deeply grateful to the legendary Shivnarine Chanderpaul for taking the time to join us and share his invaluable experience with our players. His presence was a tremendous motivation for our cricketers, and your humility and kindness were truly inspiring. I would also like to extend my gratitude to our committee members, whose passion and dedication to cricket are evident in the growth and diversity of our league, which has become a melting pot of cultures and talents. Speaking of diversity, I am thrilled to see our league grow from strength to strength, attracting players from diverse backgrounds and age groups. This growth has not only helped our community come together but also provided a platform for people to connect, learn, and thrive. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. We look forward to continuing to nurture and grow our community, promoting the spirit of cricket, and celebrating the achievements of our talented players. Said Geo George Vadakkan (Colorado Tennis Cricket League, President)

Manoj Gangwar welcomes Jan Kulmann, Mayor City of Thornton, Colorado.

Our mentorship is led by the esteemed Jatin Patel, a distinguished Coach, Professional Sports Analyst, and Cricket Hall of Famer recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. All our coaching staff holds Level 2 or higher certification, ensuring a high standard of training and expertise. Jatin Patel has been an integral part of Colorado Cricket since 2017, providing ongoing support and guidance to our team & youth programs. His extensive experience and dedication significantly contribute to our development and success in the sport of cricket. Said Manoj Gangwar

Aaralyn Ann Vadakkan,  anchored this event is a distinguished Senior Scholar at Cherry Creek High School in Colorado, was honored with an autographed cap by the renowned cricketer Legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Aaralyn’s achievements and the impact of this memorable occasion, fostering a sense of pride and inspiration within the academic community and beyond.

Praveen Gaikwad Welcomes Jatin Patel

Manoj Gangwar escorts Legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Jatin Patel

Afghan Community Champions and Youths, thrilled to meet the legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul,