American College Cricket » NYPD

Jerry Kishun,”I became an umpire to give back to the game that gave me so much.”

ljodah — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 03:51:35 +0000

: Umpire Jerry Kishun in a game.Photo by Sheik Mohammed,Newyorkcricket.com

Jerry Kishun said , “I became an umpire to give back to the game that gave me so much”.

That tells you what kind of man we lost to a hit and run driver - probably someone busy with his/her phone and didn’t see -Thursday morning.

The Umpires are in the middle of the action, and in cricket the ultimate arbiters of the on field action. The umpires’ status on the field is one of the best aspects of cricket, and the recent Bell incident was an example where changing the Umpire’s decison was NOT “in the spirit of the game”.

Two Saturdays ago NYPD Sargeant Mahaan Chandu asked if I could get a couple of umpires for the NYPD Cricket team’s game vs the Pakistan Consulate Securty. I made a call to Umpire Steve Kalloo, and Umpire Jerry Kishun was one of the umpires that came to officiate that game on Sunday Sept 4th.

Tragically, on Thursday Jerry was on his way to his full time job when he was struck by a hit and run driver on the Grand Central Parkway in Queens around 5 am, and killed.

Reports differ, as to whether he came out of his car to view damage to his car from being rear ended, or because his car broke down.

Jerry’s old friend, cricket writer and PSAL Coach Sam Shoopersad said he knew Jerry for over 50 years,and they both began playing cricket as boys in Guyana ,

”Jerry bowled medium pace. Like most medium pacers his line and length were immaculate.

He was trained as an umpire back in Guyana, certified by WICB and stood in numerous First Class matches.

In New York, Jerry umpired in the Red Stripe Tournaments, the Caribbean Cup, several USACA Regional Tournaments, Inter-League Tournaments, and numerous other tournaments and competitions. Jerry was a well liked and respected umpire attached to the United States of America Cricket Umpires’ Association (USACUA), standing in the Brooklyn Cricket League, Nassau Cricket League, and the Eastern American Cricket Association.

With the advent of the Public Schools Athletic League Varsity cricket Program, Umpire Jerry was called to duty and he was one of the favorites of the young players.”

EACA President Rudy Persaud said, “Uncle Jerry was a very courteous, humble and well liked individual and he always greet you with a smile. He was well respected among the cricket fraternity in NY; especially in the Eastern American Cricket Association.”

Krish Prasad, Lloyd Jodah, Steve Kalloo, former USA Captain Zamin Amin were among those at the wake on Friday night.

Our sincere condolences to Jerry’s family.

Services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church located at 102-06 129th Street in Richmond Hill.
Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 9pm and on Sunday from 2pm to 6pm.
The funeral will be on Monday beginning at 9am at the same location.

Video – TV Asia & ACC at NYPD vs Pakistan Consulate Cricket Match !

ljodah — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:05:38 +0000

American College Cricket is pleased to have played a role in getting the NYPD Cricket team started last year, and assisting, particularly with the media, in this cricket match.

NYPD Cricket team gets Debut Win in World Police & Fire Games !

ljodah — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:21:19 +0000

The NYPD Cricket Team on Sunday Sept 4th, earned their first victory, defeating the Pakistan Consulate Security Force team easily in a 20 over cricket match.

The Pakistani team made 112 and the NYPD was able to get this with 7 wickets to spare, powered by a magnificent innings of 62 by Police Officer Habeeb.

Last year NYPD Sargeant Mahaan Chandu asked American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah to assist in organizing two friendly cricket matches, to facilitate the creation of a NYPD Cricket team. The result was NYPD Cricket’s first games vs an informal team called the “Jodah American College Cricket XI”.

Both teams had a lot of fun that day, and the result was the establishment of a NYPD Cricket Team which this year played in the Commonwealth Cricket League.

Top desi channel TV Asia was there to cover the historic event, and Sgt Chandu explained how he took a giant leap and got cricket made an exhibition sport in the World Police and Fire Games . Assisted by Sargeant Rana the first cricket match was scheduled as part of those Games, against the Pakistan Consulate Security Force.

Sixty-nine sports are played at the World Police and Fire Games every two years since 1985, so it is astounding that cricket has not been one of those before. Unfortunately however this is typical of cricket’s governing hierarchies’ “head in the sand” approach to promoting the game.

So on a beautiful sunny day,in Cunningham Park, Queens, with the aroma of barbeque grills, and desi food like Chicken tikka masala the two teams lined up for the Opening Ceremony, in front of the many family members who had come to watch the game.The National Anthems of the USA and Pakistan were sung, and bagpipes were played.

Sargeant Chandu thanked NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly for his support, his fellow officers, and Lloyd Jodah for assisting with organizing the event.

The Pakistan Consulate team was captained by the NY Consul General of Pakistan, Faqir Hussein and might have been the favorites before the game. Batting first, however they managed to make only 112 despite a good start by Akram 15, and Col 17. Zahid down the order made 17.

Police Officer Owais was top bowler for the NYPD, getting at least 2 wickets (if we cannot give you all the numbers its not because the scorecard was incomplete, but because its “classified “information lol ).

NYPD got off to a blazing start, with PO Habeeb collaring the bowling whilst PO Dev kept things under surveillance. Habeeb cover drove through gaps square of cover, flicked over square leg, drove straight down the ground and over midoff, for 4s and 6s in an arresting display of strokeplay.

After 4 overs NYPD was 46 for 1 and the Consulate bowlers seemed handcuffed and unable to stop Habeeb who breached the cordon for boundaries, whilst PO Ahmed patrolled the other end.

By the time PO Habeeb was out for 62 his team was set for victory with POs Shiba 2* and Owais 18* cruising to victory. Owais ended the game with a huge 6 over cover .

Both PO Habeeb and PO Owais were named MVPs, and then, in an unusual twist Habeeb was named Man of the Match ! His fellow police officers also urged him to show up for more games !

Top Desi channel TV Asia covered the the event, which raised funds for “Hope for the Warriors”, a non-profit organization that seeks to “enhance quality of life for U.S. service members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty”.

Faqir Hussein,the Pakistan Consul General, praised the event as “demonstrating the goodwill sports can help develop.” and looked forward to more such cricket matches.

Next year Sgt Chandu plans to have a tournament involving other NYC law enforcement organisations, and in 2013 the NYPD Cricket team will hopefully play in the World Police and Fire Games in Belfast, Ireland. Later this month NYPD cricket might play an American College Cricket team.

American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah said, “In 1844 the first international sporting event of ANY kind, a cricket match between Canada and the USA took place in New York – so I’m happy to see every step NY makes, such as this event, to be a leader once again in the cricket world.”

PHOTOS TO BE POSTED SOON.

NYPD Cricket ends another great season for Ray Kelly Trophy!

ljodah — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:20:24 +0000

Lloyd Jodah,NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, Inspector Kosseim

KosseimA young cricket player in New York City has a plethora of opportunities to play, and one of the most important is the NYPD United cricket league – smartly directed at involving young men,15 to 19, with a cricket playing background. There were 12 teams in this years tournament.

NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly is actively involved, attending the Opening and Closing games and Ceremonies. Commssioner Kelly is often seeking feedback on what I think of the NYPD United Cricket League since we first met in 2009, and also expresses an avid interest in American College Cricket, and the opportunities it presents.

This year, the Stallions won, led by Jazeb Tariq, who has now captained 3 teams this season to Championships, the NYC High school, the Mayor’s Cup and the NYPD !

Tiki Barber, Lloyd Jodah & NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly

The 2009 Champions were Lycans, whilst Superstars took the huge Trophy in 2010, defeating the Stallions.

Superstars’ top players Kavishwar Bridgepaul and Andy Mohammed were no longer eligible for the tournament because of age.

Hall of Fame pitch for Cricket ! Cooperstown Dreams !- Photos !

ljodah — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:02:03 +0000

Cooperstown NY: Sunday June 5th, 100 American Youth baseball teams in Cooperstown for the Coopertown Dreams Park event, and some of them were playing cricket on the lawns of the National Baseball Hall of Fame !

The stumps were in place, and the American College Cricket players from Boston University ,Carnegie Mellon University, University of Minnesota and NYU Polytechnic University were ready to play. The venue was the lawns of the National Baseball of Fame !

The moment was historic, for the first time ever cricket was being played in Cooperstown, and at the Baseball Hall of Fame itself !

American College Cricket founder and President Lloyd Jodah, Vikas Pandya (U of Minnesota), Az Cheema (NYU-Poly), Hayat Khan (Boston U) and Sahil Jolly (Carnegie Mellon U) then engaged visitors to the Hall of Fame in some cricket. Hall of Fame staff also joined in.

1274 American Youth baseball teams will play in Cooperstown this summer and the most remarkable moments were when many of the boys from a number of the teams tried their hand at cricket, batting and bowling.

Not surprisingly, the baseball boys proved adept at batting, as well as bowling, with minimal instruction. Their reaction ? “This is cool” , ” This is awesome !” and they didn’t want to stop ! Their eyes and expressions of delight told the story !

“Swinging Away – how Cricket and Baseball connect” and American College Cricket had scored a hit !

To the historical eye, it was like going back in time 150 years, to when an American might play either cricket or baseball, as George and Henry Wright , two of the founding fathers of professional baseball, did or Henry Chadwick, often called the “father of baseball” did.

The following photos have a special place in USA history – thanks to the participants. CLICK ON PHOTOS to ENLARGE.

ICC Documentary on EspnCRICINFO-on American College Cricket,PSAL & NYPD

ljodah — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:39:26 +0000

“Anything that’s a good product can be marketed” – Lloyd Jodah, American College Cricket

Part three of an ICC documentary: a look at the existing college cricket structure in the USA

NYPD Cricket-Superstars win Ray Kelly Trophy ! MVP Bridgepaul 94*

ljodah — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:15:35 +0000

American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah,Commssioner Kelly & Inspector Kosseim

NYPD Champions- the Superstars !

Superstars and Stallions faced off in the Finals of the 2010 NYPD United Cricket League on Monday at Marine Park in Brooklyn for the Commissioner Raymond Kelly Trophy..

New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly asked “What do you think of the level of play?”. It was easy to answer truthfully, even without a lawyer present or being read one’s Miranda Rights, “the level of play was tremendous “.

Some of the talent on display :for the Superstars, Andy Mohammed who was impressive in the 2010 Under 19 World Cup and is possibly the best batsman in the USA. Kaveshwar Bridgepaul,one of our best fast bowler/batsman allrounders in the Imran Khan vein.Trevis Ross has already represented the USA at the Under 15 level. as well as other talented players like Thakur Singh, Rocky Kowchai and Amarnauth Persaud..

Stallions had Zahib Tariq who cored 186 runs at an average of 93.00 with one half-century (57 not out vs. Central East) and one century (112 not out vs. South West) in the National Under 15 Tournament. His Franklin D. Roosevelt High School teammates; older brother Jezeb Tariq, who scored two centuries in 2010, and Abrar Zafar who led the NYC Public High schools with most runs scored this year.

Superstars batted first and lost their first 3 wickets quickly to run outs,Amarnauth Persaud,Thakur Singh and Rocky Kowchai.Then Trevis Ross was caught off Abrar Zaffar and Superstars were reeling at 33-4, 3.4 overs. Andy Mohammed was still at the wicket, and joining him was Kaveshwar Bridgepaul.

They started to methodically take the Stallions’ bowling apart. Andy on his knees drove over midon for 6, then cut a short one past backward point for 4. Bridgepaul extended his front foot and launched one to Mars and Superstars rallied to 87 for 4 in the 12th over. Andy pulled over square leg for 4 whilst Bridgepaul brought up a marvellous 50 with 2 sixes, one over midwicket, another straight driven overhead.

Andy celebrated with a sweep for 4, but had been indulging in his propensity to charge down the wicket, skied one and was caught at long on. Superstars 121 for 5 off 14.3 overs. The partnership had rescued Superstars and put on 88 in 11 overs.

Bridgepaul continued his rampage, he went down the wicket and cover drove gloriously along the ground for 4. Another 4 and 3 sixes took him to 94* before the 20th over ended. It was a superb innings with an array of strokes, many along the ground and technically sound, but when the 6 ft powerfully-built Bridgepaul went over the top it seemed logical. He is one of the USA’s faster bowlers, but he could easily play as a specialist batsman. Superstars made 172 for 8. Noone else got into double figures. Tall Abrar Zaffar took 2 wickets for 15, and Zahib Tariq 2 wickets for 20.

Zahib Tariq and Abrar Zaffar opened the batting for Stallions, and Zaffar galloped to a great start with Zahib playing a smart supporting role. Gary Sobers has a story about how Rohan Kanhai dissected his field placements, and that’s what Zaffar did, cutting for 3 consecutive fours in the point to backward point area, off Andy Mohammed bowling medium pace. Zaffar then flicked high and a difficult chance on the boundary was dropped by Thakur Singh,a cut, a glorious offdrive, a lovely straight drive and an exquisite ondrive and Stallions were 46 without loss, after only 4 overs.The 17 year old 6 ft 1 inch Zaffar on 39 with 9 fours.

After his 10th boundar Zaffar was dropped by Amarnauth Persaud at midwicket, so the next ball he coverdrove flat along the ground for 4, then lay back and cut for 4 more. From Bridgepaul & Andy Mohammed to Zaffar it was a conucopia of strokeplay, a banquet of beautiful shots…a feast for the eyes at the NYPD United Cricket Finals.

Finally in the 11th over Trevis Ross got the vital breakthrough Superstars needed when Zaffar swung, missed and was bowled by Ross. Ross then got Jezeb Tariq and Shah for ducks whilst Bridgepaul came back off a short run up and got Saif for 14. Kowchai kept his end going well whilst Gandhi dismissed Zahib Tariq who played a solid 29.

In the fading light light Superstars took over and the young Stallions could only muster 138 for 9 off their 20 overs.
Trevis Ross took 3 for 19 and Bridgepaul 2 for 17 and Superstars were the Champions !

Asked how he felt when Zaffar was on the go, Superstars Captain Andy said “With the total we made Zaffar or his teamates would have had to bat like that all the way through and that’s difficult. This win was particularly satisfying because this is the last year playing the NYPD League for 5 of our players, including me ”

The Stallions Coach Hussein Tariq, father of the Tariq boys said, “Sure we’re disappointed, but we have a very young team, and they will all be back next year. We are happy at this opportunity the NYPD has given us.” he also added that one of his favorite cricketers was the great Alvin Kallicharran.

In fact Stallions Captain Jezeb Tariq said when he moved to the USA 3 years ago the PSAL and the NYPD were beginning their first seasons, so he felt “lucky to come to NY at the right time”. Who are Jezeb’s favorite cricketers ? “In batting Sachin Tendulkar, and in bowling Shoiab Aktar.”

Superstars Coach Ijaz Asgarally could not escape being doused with a cooler of ice-cold water whilst thanking “Commissioner Kelly, Jeff and the NYPD. The Stallions have some talent but Kaveshwar was the man” he added

MVP Kaveshwar Bridgepaul, who has had a fantastic career as a youth player culminating in winning the Commissioner Raymond Kelly Trophy was asked what next ” College Cricket” was his answer, ” I want to play in the American College Cricket Championship.”

Commissioner Kelly spent a lot of time taking photos with fans and discussing cricket – he showed a genuine interest in the future of the players coming out of the NYPD League and asked PSAL Cricket Commissioner Basset Thompson and American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah about the potential for scholarships.

The Coaches and players were effusive in their appreciation of the efforts of Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Inspector Amin Khosseim, Sargeant Rana, Officer Jeff Thompson in particular and the NYPD in putting together another successful season for NYPD Cricket League.

Photos by Police Photographer John DeMarco

NYPD Cricket Team debuts vs American College Cricket Jodah XI

ljodah — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:04:33 +0000

Bright sunshine and a beautiful summer day in New York, a perfect day for the NYPD to…..play cricket ?!? . Yes, the newly formed NYPD Cricket Club made its debut against a hastily put together team by American College Cricket’s Lloyd Jodah, called the American College Cricket Jodah XI.

George Washington and the Revolutionary troops played cricket as a break between battles, and the world’s first International sporting event of any kind was a cricket game, USA vs Canada, in 1844, in New York City. Therefore one could say its about time the NYPD had a cricket Team.

In another bit of serendipity the games were played at John Adams High School. John Adams, our 2nd President had declared during the Consitutional debates “If cricket clubs can have Presidents, then why not these United States of America ? “

Two 10 over games (60 pitches each) were played.Officer Jeff Thompson of the NYPD and Lloyd Jodah of American College Cricket called the toss spun by Seargeat Mahaan Chandu who had arranged the games.Jodah won the toss and decided to bat. Sheik Mohammed of www.newyorkcricket.com did double duties as Official Photographer and player.

GAME 1

Jodah and Arsalan (BMCC) opened the batting and Jodah showed flashes of a previous batting career with a couple of cuts & cover drives, forcing the NYPD to flood the off side with officers. Jodah,off the backfoot scored the first boundary with a late cut for 4 (Editor’s note: it was an edge ),then evaded the off-side cordon with a flick through mid-wicket.

With none of the bowlers troubling him, Jodah seemed set to score a century before he was stumped because he mistakenly thought the ball was a deadball, for 10 . Adnan Muznib (BMCC) then came in and assaulted the bowlers. The NYPD could not arrest the flow of runs as he hit 4 sixes and 1 four in his 36 before getting bowled.

Basdeo Ramnarain meanwhile was holding his end up, as Devin Graham (Coastal Carolina) strode purposefully to the wicket.Graham had had the nation in suspense, as to which team he would play for when he became a free agent. Debates raged to the last minute before Grahan announced he was man enough to play in New York.

First ball, Graham hit well but there was no run.On the last ball of the innings Graham swung, made good contact and went for the run, but the fielder hit the stumps with a direct hit to run out Graham. American College Cricket Jodah XI made a very good total of 96 in its 10 overs (60 pitches). Ramnarain made 25 not out.

Officers Umer Alam and Arif Bangush opened the batting for the NYPD, and took some runs off Muznib but Lloyd Jodah opened the bowling from the other end swung one back in to clean bowl Arif, giving ACC Jodah XI the breakthrough it was looking for. After Jodah finished his spell however the NYPD batsmen, especially Alam could not be restrained.

Alam’s shots pierced the legside as he cracked 3 fours and 2 sixes in his 43 not out.His partner in crime fighting, Rehman made a solid 14* as the game came down to the wire. ACC Jodah XI seemed likely to win until a bad 9th over ,full of wides gave the NYPD hope, and NYPD got a very exciting win in the last over.

MVP of the game was Officer Umer Alam of the NYPD.

GAME 2

NYPD won the toss and batted first. The ACC bowlers, Muneer, Arsalan (BMCC) and Muznib kept it tight as Arsalan yorked Raj. Then Jodah came on and took another NYPD wicket. Still considering their batting performance in the first game the NYPD appeared likely to put up a big total.

However Azhar Choudhury (John Adams HS) put the handcuffs on the batting. The left hander clean bowled Jeff Thompson with an inswinger. Seargant Mahaan Chandu reported for duty but was summarily dismissed. Chowdhury took 8 wickets, including 4 wickets in 4 balls. He missed getting 5 in 5 when Jodah narrowly missed an athletic attempt to get a very difficult catch (Editor: he missed an easy catch ). Ahmed Cohen made 17.

Matthew Patel (Junior High), opened the batting with Jodah for ACC, and quickly scored his first run.Jodah then straight drove one hard and Ehtasham Khan took a tremendous leaping catch off his own bowling. Devin Graham came in and smashed one past the bowler for a run.

But then Wasi Baig arrested the flow of runs, taking 3 wickets with his pace. Arif Bagush claimed 2 wickets to put the NYPD close to a win.But Basdeo Ramnarain smashed the ball all over, to get 4 fours in his 32 not out and narrowly carry the American College Cricket team to a nail-biting close victory, with 1 wicket left.

Joint MVP’s were Azhar Chowdhury & Basdeo Ramnarain of the ACC Jodah XI.

Andre Kirton was not able to play because he was at the hospital with his girlfriend, and his new born son – Congratulations to the new parents !

So on a historic July 11th, the NYPD Cricket team made its debut and showed potential.A deciding 3rd game will be played to determine the winner of this, the first of what could be an annual Independece Cricket Series between the NYPD and American College Cricket.

Great job by Sargeant Mahaan Chandu, Officer Jeff Thompson and the NYPD Cricket team. The team was: Jeff Thomson, Chandu Mahaan, Umer Alam, Ehtasham Khan, Wasi Baig, MD Rahman, Ahmed Cohen, Arif Bangush, Hassan Syed, and Raj.

NYPD's Jeff Thompson bowling

Devin Graham (Coastal Carolina) cover drives one for ACC Jodah XI

ACC's Lloyd Jodah flicks

NYPD's Umer Alam on the go, hitting a 6 over midwidwicket

ACC's Adnan Muznib bowling, Azhar Chowdhury at mid on

ACC's Basdeo Ramnarain driving one straight for 4 runs

American College Cricket's Lloyd Jodah square-cutting

ACC's Basdeo Ramnarain playing through covers

Jodah bowling

Police Action ! Andy Mohammed forces opposing Team into protective custody!

ljodah — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:38:04 +0000

Lycans, 186-6 (20 over) beat Tigers, 92 All Out (11 over). Lycans 20 pts, Tigers 5pts

Lions 109-5, (15 over) beat Kryptonite 108- All Out (19 over). Lions 19 pts, Kryptonite 6pts.

Superstars 237 for 1, Andy Mohammed 109* . Royal Stars 68 . Superstars – a million points !

Azurdeen Andy Mohammed (TCI) played for the USA Under 19 Team in the World Cup in Jan 2010, and took 90 runs off the fiery pace attack of Australia, which included Josh Hazlewood. Josh Hazlewood has gone on to make his debut for Australia vs England in an ODI today.

Andy is still nursing a hand injury suffered whilst taking a catch in Florida, where he made his debut for the USA vs Jaamica.