The first season of T20 cricket at Yogi Berra Stadium in New Jersey has been exciting
Our Bureau
Little Falls, NJ
The first season of American Premiere League (APL) for cricket being held at the Yogi Berra Stadium in New Jersey with seven teams representing different countries is set for an exciting second week starting on Sunday, 26th September.
At the end of first week, Premium PAKS headed the points table while Premium Indians continue to climb with sterling performance. Except for one game which almost got washed out, and Indians lost it to Premium Indiees in a day-and-night game which was reduced to five overs on resumption. Rahkeem of Indians has been brutal on bowlers of all teams and scored heavily. A 30-ball century was outstanding against Americans and he seems to be set to lead Indians to top position which has high quality and experienced cricket players. Chintan as a bowler has outshone all and troubled every batsman with his vast experience.
The other highlight of the league so far has been been the victory of PAKS vs Indiees in the super over. It was a thrilling match and finished on a high note.
Every game has so far been high quality cricket as players adjusted to the makeshift baseball ground for cricket. The pitch has played well and ground is fast and smooth though one side play only takes away some fun away from the game that is followed by about two billion fans in the world.
Founded by Jay Mir, an entrepreneur from New York, the league has set the new innings of cricket in USA with his vision of the league on T20 format. Like every new venture, APL faces multiple challenges of bringing audience especially during the post- pandemic era. Yet he has provided most professional set up with a live coverage, umpires, 3rd umpire support and commentators. But for the lack of audience, music and cheerleaders, the league has all cricketing elements. Seven teams that are fighting hard for winning the first season with a winning prize of $75,000 and a corvette for the Most Valuable Player.
The highlight of the APL teams is ownership of two premium teams by husband and wife, Sam Singh and Rani, one each. Sam bought Premium Indians and Rani bought Premium Bengalees. Both have retained Sunil Hali as Chief Consultant who brings vast experience in cricket, entertainment as well as management. Young entrepreneur Sam Singh promises to build cricket in the US at every level in all aspects with best teams, infrastructure and success. A fiercely competitive Rani is looking to build Bengalees very quickly with some of the best talent.
Matches resume on Sunday, September 26, as India plays Indiees in a day-and-night match followed by the biggest match of APL, Indians vs Paks on Monday at 8 pm. The semi-finals are on September 29 and final on September 30 to be held at Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls, New Jersey. All eyes are on winnings and two premium teams of APL, Indians and Paks.
Live coverage is available on www.AmericanPremiereLeague.org at $4.99 per game and ground tickets are available for $20 per game.
