Cricmax Connect, a pioneering grassroots initiative, has officially launched to bring cricket into the heart of school sports and youth development programmes across the United States.

Designed as a turnkey solution for education systems, Cricmax Connect provides schools, districts, and recreation departments with everything needed to introduce the sport — including trained coaches, a PE-aligned curriculum, cricket gear, and AI-powered learning tools.

The initiative was unveiled today at a curtain-raiser event at the Consulate General of India in New York. Major public events will follow, including a Cricket Showcase and Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Times Square on 15 August, and youth participation at the Park Avenue India Day Parade on 17 August.

“We saw a tremendous opportunity in cricket’s absence from American schools,” said Vinay Bhimjiani, founder and CEO of Cricmax Connect and former CEO of USA Cricket. “Our model is practical and inclusive — giving educators the tools to teach not just a sport, but identity, confidence, and teamwork.”

Already piloted with over 10,000 students in Los Angeles, Cricmax Connect is now expanding into New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Chicago. The initiative aligns with cricket’s return to the LA Olympics, offering a scalable path for early engagement in the sport.

“This is about more than cricket,” added Atul Rai, chairman of Youth Cricket Development. “We’re building character, celebrating diversity, and offering young people new ways to grow — both on and off the field.”

The programme is also partnering with the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) to raise cultural awareness. “Cricmax Connect is revolutionising how cricket is introduced into the American education system,” said Ankur Vaidya, FIA chairman. “It promotes diversity, preserves sporting heritage, and fosters inclusion for generations to come.”

With a tech-first approach and strong cultural roots, Cricmax Connect is capturing the attention of school leaders, Olympic committees, and youth sports boards nationwide — signalling a bold new era for cricket in the United States.

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