NYPD Youth Cricket League produces 2 of NYC’s Finest !

The NYPD Youth Cricket League, comprised of young men ages 14 to 19, is now in its ninth season with players each who registered through the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau ready to compete in the program.

The youth cricket and soccer leagues were formed in 2008 with help from the New York City Police Foundation after outreach conducted by the Department’s New Immigrant Outreach Unit found that predominantly Muslim and South Asian communities tended not to participate in traditional after-school programs and Police Athletic League sports. Now in their eighth seasons, player registration has grown and a dozen teams are selected by lottery. There is no cost to register and player uniforms – hat, pants and jersey in colors selected by the teams to resemble professional cricket – and equipment are purchased with funds from the New York City Police Foundation.

Lieutenant Rana is the Officer in charge of running the League. Each team has a civilian manager, and many of the players also play in the NYC (PSAL) High School League which finishes before the NYPD Youth League starts each summer. The NYPD provides transportation, and this year the League expanded to 20 teams.