Plymouth Residents Help Grow Sport of Cricket
It’s a sport that has exploded in popularity across the U.S. Cricket — which is deeply popular in India — has also found success in the northwest metro.
Last December, Eka Sport, a group started by Plymouth residents, partnered with the Minnesota Youth Cricket Academy to open Minnesota’s first indoor cricket facility.
The facility is located in Minnetonka at 15314 Minnetonka Industrial Rd.
After only being able to practice the sport in the summer due to a lack indoor facilities, four dads of cricket players came together to open the private space where kids could play throughout the year.
“We decided we needed a place to practice year-round so our kids could enjoy it, build the relationships and bonding, and just kind of grow the sport here in Minnesota,” said co-owner, Nick Beecher.
The space has flourished into a place where kids can come and check out a sport they have never played before and see if they like it.
Beecher said they are finding that more people are coming to play cricket and becoming interested.
“The main thing is to provide another opportunity for youth,” he said. “Another sport for youth to explore that could be right for them.”
The players say the game has something for everyone.
“You can bowl or bat, and you can field, and that’s for everyone to do, so you’re never, like, out of the game,” said youth player Devanshi Jaidka.
Other players say the best part has been the team.
“My favorite part is being together in a team — normally talk, play and be active,” said youth player Trana Vjaidka.
Young players practice cricket at Eka Sport in Minnetonka.
Eka Sport also rents the space throughout the year to many teams, such as the Minnesota Cricket Association Men’s League. The team has served as a source of admiration for the younger players.
“It’s been great to have those teams come in on the offseason as kind of role models for our kids,” said Beecher.
Beecher said the goal is to continue building relationships with people who will want to come back.
“To see the kids’ excitement when they come in and argue with their parents to have to go home because they just want to play a little bit more and a little bit more, is just great.”
Ellie Tulkki reporting
