West Indies Cricket Fans Forum
American cricket gets ready for take-off
One of the world's most popular sports is barely known in the US. But, driven by a new generation of immigrants, could cricket finally take off?
It is a hot, sunny day in Hyattsville, Maryland.
Young men play basketball in the park. Barbecue smoke hangs in the hazy, late-summer air.
A cyclist rides past with the Stars and Stripes on his trailer. And then, through the trees, comes a most un-American sound.
"Howzat!
Imran Awan was 17 when he moved from Pakistan to the US in 1997. He didn't think Americans played cricket but he brought his equipment, just in case.
He soon needed it.
A day after arriving, Imran played his first game on American soil, for a family friend's team. Within two years he was picked for the US national side.
Imran represented his new country in matches around the world - from Abu Dhabi to Nepal - and, aged 38, still plays locally. On this hot day in Hyattsville, he's captain of the Washington Tigers.
The Tigers are in the final of the Washington Cricket League Twenty 20 tournament, premier division. With the first and second division finals also taking place, it's a big day.
Banners hang from the bleachers. Supporters gather in the shade. Two commentators sit behind a camera, broadcasting the games live across the internet.
Imran is a bowler and his side is batting, so he stands on the sideline, waiting for his chance. In his youth, he bowled at 90 miles per hour. Has he still got it?
"I try," he says, smiling. "I try."
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41590142#
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Guyana Diaspora Forum
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It is estimated that over one million Guyanese, when counting their dependents, live outside of Guyana. This exceeds the population of Guyana, which is now about 750,000. Many left early in the 50’s and 60’s while others went with the next wave in the 70’s and 80’s. The latest wave left over the last 20 years. This outflow of Guyanese, therefore, covers some three generations. This outflow still continues today, where over 80 % of U.G. graduates now leave after graduating. We hope this changes, and soon.
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