In a statement released today by Jamie Harrison, former CEO of the American Cricket Federation (ACF), he announced the formation of the Center for American Cricket (CAC). Under his stewardship, the Center will serve as a Think Tank for cricket development in the USA.
Harrison who earlier this year resigned from the ACF, citing as his main reason, his neglect of the United States Youth Cricket Association (USYCA) and wanting to rededicate his energy toward that organization founded by him more than five years ago.
The CAC release stated…
I am pleased to announce today the creation of the Center for American Cricket (CAC).
There are many challenges that face American cricket. If these challenges are not addressed in a thoughtful, intelligent manner, the game will continue to struggle to move forward in the United States. In my experience with national cricket governance, these “big picture†problems are typically too overwhelming to be dealt with properly, as resources and energy are devoted to time-sensitive issues such as upcoming tournaments, fundraising, governance issues, etc. If they are addressed, it is likely to be a Band-Aid approach designed to “get the ball moving†somehow, without a lot of thought or study really being invested upfront. These efforts usually achieve very little.
What’s needed is an independent group of America’s best and brightest cricket minds, who are not under pressure to meet immediate obligations. This group can then take the time to first properly study the problems, and then to propose several possible solutions, each with its own cost analysis attached to it. Then, this detailed report can be published and submitted to the public and relevant governing bodies, and those people will now have the information they need to make an informed decision about how to move forward. The public will have a chance to also study the report and an informed public debate will ensue that will result in pressure being applied for leaders to act responsibly based on this highly developed information.
The mission of the Center for American Cricket is:
– to engage in a scholarly, independent study of the challenges facing all aspects of cricket in America
– to put forward multiple solutions to these challenges that include associated benefits and costs
– to engage American cricket stakeholders, relevant governing bodies and organizations in an informed discussion about the challenges and solutions
– to promote research and development activities that will bring the most benefit to American cricket
– to hold decision makers accountable for their administration of cricket in the USA
All CAC members have been invited to participate based of their strength of intellect and character, and their involvement in playing, administering or writing about American cricket:
– Dr. Gangaram Singh, professor, associate dean, interim dean, San Diego State University Business School; Interim Provost, National University; president, San Diego Cricket Club; steering committee, American Cricket Federation; co-founder, Bishan Bedi Cricket Foundation
– Dr. BK Atul Rai, practicing dentist, Los Angeles area; director, Southern California Cricket Association; past president, Southern California Cricket Association; past president, USACA; collaborated with International Cricket Council on Project USA; steering committee, American Cricket Federation.
– Jon Marthaler, master’s degree, University of Arizona Eller College of Management; bachelor’s degree, the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management; sports writer, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
– Michael Johnson, author of “The 5 Reasons why Cricket is more American than Baseball;†USA Ambassador to the Don Bradman Foundation; professional speaker; paid consultant
– Atul Huckoo, President, Edison Cricket Club; Assistant V.P., Willow Cricket; executive committee, Cricket League of New Jersey
– Erik Petersen, bachelor’s degree, University of Missouri School of Journalism; editor, Ft. Lauderdale Magazine; reporter, Kansas City Star; reporter, Nottingham Post (UK)
– Ranjeet Singh, founder, Missouri Youth Cricket Association; head coach, MYCA Youth Academy
– Matt Becker, bachelor’s degree, Saint Mary’s University; Digital Producer, Minnesota Public Radio; member, City of Roseville Ethics Commission; blogger, “Limited Oversâ€
– Shantha Suraweera, master’s degree, Mechanical Engineering; founder, Orange County Cricket Association; chair, Orange County Youth Cricket Academy; Level 1 Certified Coach; board member, American Cricket Federation
– David Mutton, Deputy Director of Development, The Moth; contributor, The Nightwatchman, Cricket Web, Masterly Batting: 100 Great Test Centuries; blogger, “The Silly Mid Offâ€
– Subash Jayaraman, degree in engineering; Podcaster, ESPN, “The Cricket Couchâ€
– Jamie Harrison, bachelor’s degree, University of Maryland Baltimore County; founder and president, United States Youth Cricket Association, founder and president, Maryland Youth Cricket Association; CEO, American Cricket Federation; first recipient of the Shekhar Aravind Award for Spirit of Cricket; winner, Comfort Award, C.C. Morris Cricket Library Association; member, Cricket Hall of Fame, Hartford, Connecticut.
We’ll will be soon be working on a website, but for now you can follow CAC on Twitter @cricket_CAC and on Facebook.
Jamie Harrison, Director
Center for American Cricket
