India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The dream of bringing the game of cricket to Skokie, a Chicago north side suburb, has now come true. After a huge support from the park districts and an overwhelming response from the community, a cricket practice facility located at Hamlin Park in Skokie has been identified and established, according to Babu Verma, a community activist from Skokie.

"The aim of the facility is to promote the game of cricket in our part of the world," he said. In Chicago, it is played by close to 1500 people. This figure is smaller compared to the other States in US that are catching up with this sport.

While many park districts are starting to realize the potential that this sport has and have started implementing cricket grounds dedicated to hosting cricket leagues. Skokie is the latest addition to this growing numbers.

Currently the practice facility in Skokie can only be used for practicing and training for cricket. But organizers of the sport in the area hope that they would generate enough interest amongst the young players (male and female) to host leagues in the coming years.

The plans at present include the conducting of summer cricket camps for all age groups. The target includes teaching the concepts of cricket right from grassroots level to the training and producing high quality cricket players.

"Our aim and hope is that we can spread the game of cricket not only in Skokie but also to the surrounding cities. Presently there is also a cricket team that comprises Skokie residents playing in a competitive league in the far West Suburbs," Babu Verma added.