Cricket sits at the top of the ranks for the most popular sport in the world. It’s second only to soccer, according to an article from World Atlas, but finding a cricket team in Colorado can be a challenge. The Front Range Cricket Club opens its arms to anyone interested in joining an inclusive group of cricket enthusiasts.
The club was formed in 2010 and welcomes beginners who want to uncover new sports territory or skilled players searching for an inclusive place to expand their skills. Their mission is to spread awareness about the intricate sport while fostering a positive environment.
Cricket is an outdoor sport that consists of two teams with eleven players on each team. The goal of the game, much like other sports, is to score more points than the other team by getting runs.
A batter accomplishes a run by running across the field to the opposite wicket. Two wickets — three sticks, called stumps, connected and stuck into the ground — stand on each side of the pitch, the area in which the batters stand. A hard leather ball is thrown or bowled by the bowlers outside of the pitch while the batters attempt to bat the ball away from the wickets.
Bowlers can practice an abundance of methods to eliminate the batters, such as catching the ball or knocking the wickets. Every time a batter is out, a new player from the batting team replaces them until ten of the eleven batters on each team are out. The bowling team then becomes the batting team and the game continues.
“Cricket is a complex and strategic sport that requires a lot of skill and knowledge to play at a high level, but it can also be enjoyed by beginners who are just starting to learn the basics,” said Front Range Cricket Club member Rahul Ahire.
Regardless of gender, age or skill level, the Front Range Cricket Club has an open invitation to all and is an excellent way to find a unique community, Ahire said.
“It’s been a great way to meet new people, make friends and develop social connections,” Ahire said. “It also provides an opportunity to play and practice cricket with others who share a passion for the sport.”
Due to the scarcity of cricket playing in Colorado, the Front Range Cricket Club has become a hub for community. Many of the members have a special connection to cricket and search for a place to explore their passion. Through mentorships and training opportunities, the members have a group of like-minded people with whom to connect, Ahire said.
Mentorships are a critical part of the club. Players guide one another through skill building exercises and have become a tight-knit group. They have inspired one another to not only become better cricket players but be more engaged with the community, according to Ahire.
Members participate in events and volunteer in their local communities. They also take part in competitions.
The club won the Colorado Cricket League T20 Champions title in 2021, giving them a push to practice and improve their skillset as a team. They will participate in the upcoming statewide tournament put on by the Colorado Cricket League.
To answer inquiries or join the club, a message can be sent to the Front Range Cricket Club’s Facebook or Instagram account.
