By Staff Reporter
In the heart of Central Texas, where football once reigned supreme, a new sporting pulse is quickening.
The second edition of the Austin Spring Championship, a youth cricket tournament pulsing with energy, unfolded on the Rio Ranch Cricket Fields in Liberty Hill, TX, in March 2025.
What began as a grassroots flicker—kids swinging bats on makeshift pitches beside middle and high school fields—has erupted into a full-blown movement. Cities like Austin, ahead of the curve, are investing in cricket’s rise, building proper fields and fostering a culture that’s catching the eye of youth across the nation. This tournament isn’t just a weekend of games; it’s a testament to cricket’s surging popularity in the USA, particularly among the young, and a glimpse into its growing value as a sport that blends tradition with tenacity.
Cricket’s ascent in America is no fluke. Major League Cricket launched in 2023, and with the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, the USA is waking up to a game that commands billions of fans globally. Youth participation is skyrocketing—leagues like the DYCL in Dallas, NTCA in Dallas, TCCL in Houston and Austin’s own AYL and WCI Academy are churning out talent at a pace that rivals soccer’s boom decades ago.
The Austin Spring Championship is the latest jewel in this crown, drawing 14 teams from Kansas City, Dallas, and Austin for a four-day showdown over Spring Break. These kids aren’t just playing for fun—they’re grinding through long-format matches, showcasing a resilience that builds character, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for strategy. For them, cricket isn’t just a pastime; it’s a proving ground for life’s bigger battles.
Across seven pristine fields, 28 games unfolded in a blaze of competition. The U14 and U18 squads battled in the 40-over format, while the U12s tackled 35 overs—formats that mirror professional cricket’s rigor. This isn’t backyard T20 chaos; it’s a deliberate nod to the sport’s roots, fostering patience and skill in a way that’s rare in America’s fast-paced sports culture. The level of professionalism here is a shot in the arm for cricket’s growth. Tournaments like this, with their structure and scale, signal to parents, schools, and sponsors that cricket isn’t a fringe experiment—it’s a thriving ecosystem ready to rival baseball diamonds and soccer pitches nationwide.
DYCL Dallas stole the show, sweeping titles in all three age groups—an achievement that surely left their coach, Asif, beaming with pride and plotting the next victory. NTCA Dallas fought hard to claim the U18 runner-up spot, while the local Austin Blasters snagged second in both U14 and U12, proving Central Texas can hang with the big dogs. Teams like FCCA Dallas, TCA Dallas, KYCA Kansas, and Austin Starz brought fire to every match, turning the championship into a showcase of raw talent and fierce rivalries. This isn’t just a one-off—organizers are already eyeing bigger fields and broader reach for 2026, dreaming of Austin as a must-visit hub for cricket fans hungry for top-tier youth action.
The Rio Ranch Cricket Fields didn’t just host this spectacle; they elevated it. Impeccably maintained and paired with a flawless organizing crew, they set a gold standard for youth sports events. Credit goes to the LoneStar Premier Cricket League (LPCL) and local leaders like Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin and City Council Member Heather Jefts, who graced the awards ceremony as Chief Guests. “It’s really wonderful to see cricket taking off in our community,” Mayor Penniman-Morin said. “I am proud that Central Texas could host kids from as far as Kansas City. Everyone involved had a great spring break at the Austin Spring Championship.” Jefts echoed that enthusiasm: “It’s so important to provide sports opportunities for kids. It gives them physical, mental, and emotional skills they will build on their whole lives. Cricket is a great sport and has a huge following around the world. I’m so proud we have a talented and growing hub here in Central Texas! I can’t wait to see the future of cricket in our community.” Their words weave a thread from the fields to the future, spotlighting cricket’s role in shaping well-rounded kids.
Bhavesh Carsane, LPCL founder and a driving force behind the event’s success, couldn’t hide his excitement. “This tournament is proof of what happens when passion meets opportunity,” he said. “We’re building something special here, and it’s only going to get bigger.” His vision aligns with a broader push to cement Austin’s place on the cricket map, one boundary at a time.
“The growth of youth cricket has been truly encouraging,” he said. “Young cricketers are increasingly emerging with a huge hunger for competitive games. I’m delighted to build an ecosystem in partnership with others to host a longer-format tournament in Central Texas. This could not have been possible without years of diligent support from Santosh Pogaru, Rohit Anand and Ram Subramanian.” His outlook? More fields, more teams, and a legacy that could one day see Austin-bred players donning the red, white, and blue on a bigger stage.
Cricket in the USA isn’t just growing—it’s roaring to life. The Austin Spring Championship 2025 is more than a tournament; it’s a rallying cry for a sport that’s found fertile ground in America’s youth. From Liberty Hill to Kansas City, these kids are swinging for the fences, and they’re taking cricket’s future with them.