History
Cricket at Rutgers: A Journey of Resilience and Excellence
Cricket, a sport that transcends borders and cultures, has found a special place at Rutgers University, reflecting the diversity and inclusivity that define the institution. It not only serves as a source of entertainment but also as a bridge for students to connect with their heritage. The Rutgers Cricket Club, with its rich history, embodies this spirit of unity and passion for the game.
The Glory Days (2010-2018)
The roots of cricket at Rutgers run deep. The previous iteration of the Rutgers Cricket Club achieved remarkable success on the cricket field. In 2010, they made the university proud by clinching the 1st North East Regional Championship. Their journey to the Nationals Finals in 2016 showcased their mettle and dedication. The pinnacle of their achievements was reached in 2018 when they emerged as the National Champions. It was a time when the cricket community at Rutgers was flourishing, and the future looked bright.
A Temporary Setback (2019)
However, every journey has its ups and downs. In 2019, due to a series of management issues resulting from COVID-19, the previous Rutgers Cricket Club dissoluted. The cricketing spirit at Rutgers was momentarily dimmed, but it was far from extinguished.
Resurgence and New Beginnings (2021-2023)
In 2021, a ray of hope emerged when Haris Abdul-Rashid expressed his interest in playing cricket on campus through a Reddit post. This simple online message led to a group of passionate students gathering at the Livi lawn on a Sunday afternoon for an impromptu game of tape ball cricket. Among those who convened were Fauzan, Haris, Krishnan, and Shiddah. It was there, in the spirit of the game, that they vowed to resurrect cricket at Rutgers and restore its national prominence.
The dream was bold, and the path was challenging. Fauzan, as a determined leader, undertook the responsibility of filing paperwork with the Rutgers Recreation Department. Countless meetings with Club Sport Coordinator Adam Shanley followed, where they advocated tirelessly for the return of cricket. Running a club sport was no small feat, but their unwavering motivation and passion for the sport compelled them to embrace the risk.
By the beginning of the Spring 2023 semester, their relentless efforts bore fruit as the Rutgers Cricket Club became an officially registered club at Rutgers University. The executive team swiftly convened to establish a cricket team, hosting tryouts to select the squad for the upcoming national tournaments. Mudassir Lodi was appointed as the inaugural captain of the Rutgers Cricket Team.
A New Chapter (2023 and Beyond)
The Rutgers Cricket Club chose the National College Cricket Association’s National Cricket Tournament in Houston, Texas, as their governing body for nationals. This decision was in line with the majority of university cricket clubs, as the NCCA is run by students for students.
At the 2023 National Cricket Tournament, the Rutgers Cricket Team showcased their prowess with impressive wins against Purdue University and Yale University, though they narrowly missed victories against formidable opponents like UC Berkeley and UCLA. The level of play displayed by Rutgers was nothing short of remarkable, as if they had never left the cricketing arena.
As the club enters the Fall 2023 semester, the Rutgers Cricket Club is determined to defy all odds. Plans are underway for weekly practice sessions, beginner bootcamps, and the formation of a competitive cricket team aimed at achieving success at regional and national levels. Beyond competition, their mission is to promote the sport of cricket within the Rutgers community and across the country.
The Rutgers Cricket Club eagerly anticipates a new generation of cricketers who will continue to expand the sport on campus and achieve remarkable feats. They stand united, ready to represent Rutgers on the cricket field and in their pursuit of excellence, both on and off the pitch.
We are the Rutgers Cricket Club. Batting for Excellence, On and Off the Pitch.