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, 

The USA U19 boys team is set to participate in the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup, which will be hosted in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The team secured their spot by emerging as undefeated champions in the ICC Americas qualifier held at Param Veers Sports, Rydal, Georgia, from August 9th to 16th, 2025.

The qualifier featured a round-robin format involving four teams, each team playing against the others twice to determine the regional representative for the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup. During this tournament, the USA U19 boys defeated Argentina, Bermuda and Canada twice, securing the top position and earning their place in the global competition.

Cricket’s popularity and growth in the United States have been accelerating, especially following the USA’s victory over Pakistan at home during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The sport’s rise has been both rapid, driven by diaspora enthusiasm, grassroots initiatives, and structural efforts. The sport is gaining prominence, particularly with its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The increasing number of tournaments, youth programs and training academies across the country reflects a growing engagement among young players, supported by local groups and youth development initiatives.

Historically, the USA U19 team has participated in the ICC U19 World Cup on a few occasions. Their debut was in 2006 in Sri Lanka, where they finished in 12th place. They also competed in 2010 end up as winless, demonstrating ongoing development and competitiveness.

The upcoming 2026 ICC U19 World Cup will feature 16 teams. The top 10 teams qualification directly based on their performance in the 2024 World Cup, with Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Zimbabwe is serving as hosts or automatic qualification. Additionally, five teams will qualified through regional qualifiers: Afghanistan (Asia), Tanzania (Africa), Japan (Asia-Pacific), the USA (Americas), and Scotland (Europe). This expansion reflects the growing global reach of cricket and the increasing competitiveness of emerging cricket nations.

All matches will start at 10:30 am local time. 

Venue – Param Veers Sports Complex, 4130 HIGHWAY 411, RYDAL,  GA –  30171

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USA ready to host ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Americas Qualifier

Media Release

The city of Atlanta in the USA will play host to the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Americas regional Qualifier from 7 to 17 August 2025.

The hosts, USA welcome Argentina, Bermuda and Canada in a double round-robin format where the top team will book their place as the Americas regional representative at the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Sixteen teams will contend for the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup between January and February 2026 across five venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Teams will be split into four groups of four teams each will compete in the Group Stage, followed by the Super 6, ending in the semi-finals and Final.

Argentina captain, Valentin Bur said: “We’ve been working hard in build-up to the tournament and are excited to get started. Qualifying for the U19 World Cup would be an amazing and unforgettable achievement for us, it would really help to raise more awareness about cricket in Argentina and we want to accomplish that.”

Bermuda captain, Zeri Tomlinson said: “We’re excited to a part of the tournament and are looking forward to playing against the other teams. If we qualify, I would be beyond proud of the team as that would be an incredible achievement. It would be a good opportunity to represent Bermuda on the world stage and compete against the top cricketing nations. It will also be a good way to promote cricket in Bermuda for young kids in school and a great chance for us to show our talent and potential.”

Canada captain, Yuvraj Singh said: “We will feel proud and excited to represent our country on a big stage. The game is growing really fast in our country and brings people together from different cultures, we’re looking forward to working hard and hopefully making our team and country proud.”

USA captain, Arjun Mahesh said: “Qualifying for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup again would definitely be something special. This time as a captain, it would definitely be a proud and breakthrough moment in my cricketing career. We’re excited to get started and hopefully we’ll make everyone proud.”

ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Americas Qualifier

Match schedule & Results

Saturday, 9 August

Bermuda vs Argentina, Ground 1

Bermuda won by 237 runs.  Bermuda 318 for 8 in 50 overs, Argentina 81 for 9 in 26.2 Overs

Luke Horon 74 runs (60 balls, 6x4s, 3x6s, @123.33)
Keegan Jones 73 runs (68 balls, 7x4s, @107.35)
Muhammad Abaidullah 9-0-25-57-4 @6.33e
Franz Bur 7-0-22-65-2 @9.29e

Alvaro Minardi 22 runs not out (34 balls, 2x4s, @64.71)
Sai-Qui Robinson 10-3-51-13-5 @1.62
Johmi Douglas 5-2-23-14-2 @2.80

USA vs Canada, Ground 2

USA won by 65 runs. USA 236 for 6 in 50 overs, Canada 171 for 9 in 50 Overs

Aminder Singh Gill 76 runs (144 balls, 6x4s, 1x6s, @52.78)
Saharsh Shwethan 52 runs (31 balls, 4x4s, 3x6s, @167.74)
Arjun Mahesh 49 runs (52 balls, 3x4s, @94.23)
Yuvraj Samra 9-2-35-37-2 @4.11e

Jagmandeep Singh Paul 35 runs (73 balls, 2x4s, @47.95)
Rohan Sikri 34 runs (53 balls, 2x4s, 1x6s, @64.15)
Adit Kappa 10-2-45-21-3 @2.10e

Sunday, 10 August

Bermuda vs USA, Ground 1

USA won by 204 runs.  USA 310 for 9 in 50 overs, Bermuda 106 all out in 32.2 overs.

Aminder Singh Gill 102 runs (122 balls, 10x4s, @83.61)
Sahil Garg 70 runs (68 balls, 6x4s, 3x6s, @102.94)
Saharsh Shwethan 69 runs (58 balls, 3x4s, 2x6s, @118.97)
Isiah Obrien 9-1-21-59-2 @6.56e
Keegan Jones 10-0-23-52-2 @5.20e

Sa-Quin Robinson 34 runs (42 balls, 1x4s, 4x6s, @80.95)
Callum Macfarlane 22 runs(53 balls, 3x4s, @41.51)
Sabrish Prasad 10-1-46-37-4 @3.70e
Adit Kappa 10-0-46-34-3 @3.40e

Argentina vs Canada, Ground 2

CANADA won by 10 wickets. ARGENTINA 23 all out in 19.5 Overs, Canada 62 for 2 wickets in 4.5 overs 

Otto Sorondo 7 runs (37 balls, 1x6s, @18.92) – 7 runs Extras.
Jagmandeep Singh Paul 5-3-28-7-6 @1.40e

Yuvraj Samra 20 runs not out (4 balls, 2x4s, 2x6s, @500)

Tuesday, 12 August

Argentina vs USA, Ground 1

USA won by 9 wickets.  Argentina 19 all out in 10.3 overs, USA 20 for 1 in 14 balls (2.2 overs).

Ansh Rai 1.3-0-8-2-4 @1.33e
Supransh Kumar 4-1-19-7-3 @1.75e
Sabrish Prasad 4-2-20-8-3 @2e

Nitish Sudini 14 runs(8 balls, 2x4s, @175)

Bermuda vs Canada, Ground 2

CANADA won by 8 wickets. BERMUDA  60 all out in 16.4 Overs, Canada 24 for no loss in just 5 balls (0.5 Overs)

Luke Horon 13 runs (25 balls, 2x4s, @52)
Isaiah Obrien 13 runs (13 balls, 1x4s, 1x6s, @100)
Callum Mcintosh 13 runs (18 balls, 1x4s, @100)
Jagmandeep Singh Paul 3-1-14-7-3 @2.33e
Krish Misra 6-1-27-15-3 @2.5e

Aryan Sidhu 35 runs not out (13 balls, 4x4s, 3x6s, @269.23)
Dharm Patel 18 runs (7 balls, 1x4s, 2x6s, @257.14)
Luke Horon 2-0-7-23-2 @11.50e 

Wednesday, 13 August

Bermuda vs USA, Ground 2

USA beat Bermuda by 7 wickets.  Bermuda 55 all out in 32.5 overs, USA 56 for 3 in 6.4 overs.

Luke Horan 21 runs (50 balls, 2x4s @42)
Luke Fulton 16 runs (65 balls, 2x4s @24.62)
Utkarsh Srivastava 2.5-1-15-3-2 @1.06
Ans Rai 8-2-41-11-2 @1.38
Adnit Jhamb 3-0-14-5-2 @1.67
Supransh kumar 6-1-27-11-2 @1.83
Adit Kappa 8-2-41-14-2 @2.75

Nitish Sudini 27 runs (13 balls, 2x4s, 2x6s) @207.69
Adnit Jhamb 13 runs (14 balls, 1x4s) @92.86

Argentina vs Canada, Ground 1

Abandoned,  Canada 360 for 9 in 42 overs, Argentina 16 for 1 in 1.5 Overs,

Game was delayed by Rain & reduced to 42 overs game , Rain prevented further play during Argentina inning.

Aryan Sidhu 85 runs (58 balls, 6x4s, 7x6s, @146.55)
Shivam Sharma 65 runs (47 balls, 4x4s, 3x6s, @138.30)
Yuvraj Samra 60 runs (40 balls, 3x4s, 6x6s, @138.30)
extras 39
Alvaro Minardi 8-0-24-47-3 @5.88

Friday, 15 August

Argentina vs USA, Ground 2

Congratulations to USA,  qualify for 2026 U-19 World Cup… 

USA beat Argentina by 9 wickets.  Argentina 34 all out in 15.5 overs, USA 35 for 1 in 6.1 overs.

Juan Moline 13 runs (35 balls, 1x4s @37.14)
Sahir Bhatia 4.5-1-23-9-5 @1.86
Supransh Kumar 5-2-26-10-4 @2.00

Amrinder Singh Gill 21 runs not out (20 balls, 1x4s, 1x6s) @105
Saharsh Shwetham 10 runs (12 balls, 2x4s) @83.33

Bermuda vs Canada, Ground 1

 Canada won by 13 runs DL methos, Canada 147 all out in 39.5 overs, Bermuda 96 for 6 in 34.4 overs.

Shivam Sharma 54 runs (74 balls, 0x4s, 2x6s, @72.97)
Toby Cox 25 runs (60 balls @41.67)
Isaish Obrian 8.5-0-34-34-3 @3.85

Luke Horan 36 runs (60 balls, 2x4s, @ 60)

Saturday, 16 August

Canada vs USA, Ground 1

Argentina vs Bermuda, Ground 2

*All matches will be played at 10h30 local time.

June 25^th, 2025, Ahmedabad.

“Sunny’s Days” is a commemorative publication on Sunil Gavaskar, authored by Bhatt Brothers. It documents significant milestones, stories, and photographs from Gavaskar’s career, with each date linked and synchronized to the serial numbers of Indian currency notes. This unique feature ensures the creation of a single, exclusive copy worldwide.

The Bhatt Brothers also published a book on Mr. Geet Sethi, a renowned billiards legend and world champion, chronicling his life journey with milestones.

On June 2, 2025, an exclusive event “Evening with Legends” was held in Ahmedabad, featuring distinguished guests. The event showcased both legends, Sunil Gavaskar (SG) and Geet Sethi (GS), who shared insights into their preparation and competitive strategies during their active careers.

Coincidentally, on the same day, Mr. Geet Sethi secured his ninth world billiards title, and Mr. Sunil Gavaskar achieved the milestone of 10,000 runs on March 7^th, 1987, becoming the first batter (Male or Female) to reach 10,000 Runs mark. Both legend’s milestones were achieved & celebrated in Ahmedabad.

During their speeches, the legends discussed their mental preparation. Gavaskar emphasized focusing on what not to do rather than what to do, while Sethi highlighted the importance of self-decision-making, calmness, and self-belief in individual sports. Sethi stated, “In non-team sports, players must make their own decisions; self-decision is key and staying calm and confident is essential for success.”

From Gavaskar’s iconic cricket performances to Sethi’s strategic mastery in billiards, the platform honors the spirit of these sports and the minds behind their achievements. The simultaneous release of these two books underscores the themes of preparation, resilience, and self-confidence that drive champions toward excellence.

The unique concept of these commemorative collections was conceived by the Bhatt family, including Mr. Sheetal Bhatt, Mr. Ravi Bhatt, and their 14-year-old son, Karan Bhatt.

Photo Credits – Bhatt Brothers (India)