The simple clay pitch is surrounded by soft grass
The India Association of Buffalo (IAB) on Sunday formally inaugurated a new cricket pitch in the Ellicott Creek Park in Amherst, Erie County, New York.
This is the first and only cricket pitch in the County and it came as the result of the efforts of the Indian American community, The Buffalo News reported.
The inauguration took place on the afternoon and the simple clay pitch is surrounded by soft grass.
“The Erie County parks are for everybody. There are hundreds of cricket players that now have a safe place to play and this is going to open up the sports for other,” Buffalo News quoted Mark C. Poloncarz, county executive. “This is going to grow, without a doubt.”
The park department has rolled the clay pitch flat and IAB is planning to make it larger and arrange a concrete strip over the next two weeks. The Indian American group will also raise funds to erect a small set of bleachers and a scoreboard.
IAB president Sibu Nair told the online news portal that being able to play in Erie County makes the Indian American community feel “welcomed and appreciated.”
“Now we have a piece of land that gives us a chance to pass this tradition to a younger generation,” he said.
The Indian Association will offer cricket lessons, bring in several cricket leagues and also plan to conduct at least three or four cricket tournaments a year.
Soccer groups and horseback riding groups also have their own trails on the county land.