University of the Pacific’s cricket club has enjoyed a remarkable year, highlighted by the completion of a new cricket field on Brookside Field. This addition supports Pacific’s growing South Asian community and has put a spotlight on cricket at the university.
As the Fall 2024 semester begins, club president Dev Desai ’25 plans to expand campus involvement by launching an intramural cricket league, to encourage students, faculty and staff to participate. The club aims to enhance its training regimen and organize competitive matches with the Stockton Cricket Club and other universities to improve performance. Dev hopes these efforts will promote cricket within the university and provide a fun, competitive environment for all skill levels.
“This year, we aim to lay the foundation for a stronger, more dynamic cricket club that will thrive for years to come,” Dev said.
Cricket makes students feel at home
Pacific’s cricket club was first created in 2022 with the help of Pacific Recreation and launched with just 15 members. Under the guidance of Niraj Chaudary, fellow cricket player and dean of the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center, Pacific has since provided more resources to the team and has accommodated the rising community of South Asian international students. The club now welcomes dozens of players to each practice.
“The game that we missed so much when came here, now it’s something that we play every week,” said club member Yusuf Ejaz ’24, a business analytics major from New Delhi, India.
Most of Pacific’s cricket club members come from South Asia where cricket is most popular: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Nepal. However, the club welcomes all Pacific students.
“Our club is all about inclusivity, and we’re proud to have members from different parts of the world,” Yusuf said.
The club meets several times a week to accommodate different schedules and accepts new members of all skill levels.
Sharing cricket with the community
In addition to improving the team’s performance, Dev wants to make cricket more popular in California. In December, Dev and the rest of the club will partner with the City of Stockton to provide a free cricket sports clinic that will teach Stockton youth how to play cricket. Dev believes this would not only enrich the sports community in Stockton but also raise awareness about the sport.
“By fostering a love for the game at an early age, we can build a stronger, more connected community with a shared enthusiasm for cricket,” Dev said. “I believe this program will have a positive impact on both the children and the broader community, enhancing our university’s reputation and community involvement.”
Dev is optimistic about the team and sport’s future as he aims to lay the foundation for a stronger and more dynamic cricket club for years to come.
Follow Pacific’s Cricket Club on Instagram
Learn about Pacific’s international student experience
Visit Pacific’s website