Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) and State Senator Kevin Thomas (D-Nassau County) announced the passage of legislation (A6306/S3807) that would create a Cricket Task Force to conduct a comprehensive study and come up with ways to promote cricket across New York. This bill now awaits approval from Governor Cuomo.

“Cricket is already a bona fide American pastime that brings everyone together and should be celebrated for that. As the second most popular sport in the world, cricket brings with it a massive audience and economic development opportunities," said Assemblywoman Rozic. “With the growth of numerous leagues across New York, the creation of a Cricket Task Force would benefit the sport and recognize its place in New York.”

Senator Kevin Thomas said: “As the first Indian-American Senator, I recognize how important the sport of cricket is to the South Asian Community. After soccer, cricket is the most watched and most played sport in the world. Here in New York, we welcome and support the game – and the South Asian Community - with great enthusiasm. The creation of the Empire State Cricket Task Force will help promote this exciting sport and identify economic development opportunities to help it grow and thrive throughout the state.”

There are sixty cricket pitches in the five boroughs with seven parks in Queens that allow New Yorkers to reserve sites for games throughout the year.

“Cricket is becoming more and more popular throughout the State of New York. You will often find parks throughout Queens filled with people playing each weekend which reflects the diversity of our county,” said Senator Toby Stavisky. “This task force will be an important first step in recognizing the benefits that cricket can bring to our State while encouraging communities to be more active in the sport.”

Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Chairman of American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) said: “We warmly welcome Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Senator Kevin Thomas’ initiative to create the first ever Cricket Task Force on State level. We at APPAC are thrilled because it has been proven that societies which encourage sports have lower crime rates, lead to empowerment of young adults, leads to a decrease in poverty, and brings families and communities together.”

Ather Tirmizi, Executive Director of American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) said: “We believe the diversity of NY is its strengths, and promoting cricket on the state level is a proof of that commitment by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Senator Kevin Thomas.”

The game of Cricket, created in England in the 16th century, is the second most popular sport in the world. New York hosted the first international cricket match in 1844.