Indian Diaspora Team Wins First International Liberty T20 Cricket Cup Against Australia in USA | Cricket News

NEW YORK: An Indian team, comprising members of the diaspora, won a maiden Cricket Cup after beating an Australian diaspora team in a match held as part of the 75th Independence Day celebrations.
The Consulates General of India and Australia in New York organized the first International Liberty Cup in the Bronx.
The Liberty Cup tournament was held with the aim of bringing together the cricket playing nations and to strengthen the sport’s popularity in the USA.

New York Thunderbolts Cricket Club represented Team India on behalf of the Consulate General of India in New York while Team Australia was represented by the New York Kookaburras Cricket Club.
Before the match, Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal, underlined the deep partnership between India and Australia.
“To celebrate India’s 75 years of independence, we are celebrating it in a special way through cricket that binds our two countries together. We want to enjoy cricket and we want to enjoy our friendship,” Jaiswal said.
Australia’s Consul General in New York, Nick Greiner, described the match as a “highlight” of his tenure in New York.
“It’s the first time we’ve done a sporting activity, so it’s always good for Australia. It’s a small, symbolic way to celebrate the friendship between Australia and India, which is growing stronger.
“We are now part of the Quad group and I think at every level the relationship is getting better,” Greiner said, referring to the India, US, Japan and Australia grouping.
Jake List was captain of the Australian team while Raj Mohabe was the captain of team India. Nonprofit organization 22 Yardsport, which promotes the game in the US, organized the tournament.
Jamaican legend Steve Buckner and Ramesh Lal were referees for the game. Team Australia won the toss and scored a total of 146 in 20 overs with the loss of six wickets.
Indian team chased down the target in 16 overs, with Santy Santosh scoring 81 in 48 balls, hitting 6 sixes and 3 boundaries.
“When we talk about a first match, it’s always special, but when it happens to be the 75th year of India’s independence – Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav – and 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Australia, it becomes even more special,” said Deputy Consul General of India in New York, Varun Jeph.
“As part of the celebrations we celebrate our sport, our sporting achievements and what better way than to play cricket, which is such a great unifier for all, cutting across countries, continents, races and religions,” Jeph said while he presented. the trophy to the winning team.
Jaipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari described the first match as “cricket diplomacy” and said it was a great initiative to boost the popularity of the game in the US and among American audiences.
In December of last year, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation recognizing the sport of cricket as an important part of the social and cultural fabric of New York State, and expanding the state’s ability to promote sport officially.
The legislation was sponsored by Senator Kevin Thomas, the first Indian-American to serve in the New York State Legislature, and Assemblyman Nily Rozic.