HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The first ever IALI (India Association of Long Island) Cricket tournament finals were held on 08/03/2013 at Cantiague Park, Hicksville. The initial rounds were held on 07/27/2013 at Cantiague Park and seven teams participated whole day in the grand opening ceremony and exciting matches. About 150 fans attended the opening ceremony at which Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano was the Chief Guest. Ed Mangano cut the ribbon and opened the newly prepared Cricket pitch in Cantiague Park (Field -T). IALI President Kishore Kuncham opened the games and in his welcome remarks said, “We are making history here today as we host the first cricket tournament and IALI cricket cup in the 37 years history of India Association of Long Island.”

Prof. Indrajit S Saluja gives Ed Mangano a lesson in cricket playing. President of IALI Dr. Kishore Kuncham is seen behind the wickets

The Hicksville Cricket Club and Long Island Connections emerged as final teams. All the initial matches were 12 over rounds. Semi finals and Finals were 15 over matches. On 08/03/2013, the finals were held between Long Island Connections and Hicksville Cricket Club. At the end of the 15 overs HCC scored 58 runs with the loss of 9 wickets. LI Connections started chasing the moderate score but lost their first wicket in the very first over. But then the batsmen took control of the game and ended with a score of 59 runs in 13.2 overs with a loss of 7 wickets. Thus the Long Island Connections won the first ever IALI Cricket 2013 Tournament. Dr. Kishore Kuncham President, IALI congratulated both the teams and thanked the county officials for their support in providing and preparing the cricket pitch and also thanked community leaders for their efforts. He also commended and appreciated the dedication of Mr. Enjapuri Jayaprakash, IALI Sport Chair and the Executive Committee of IALI for their support and hard work in organizing the tournament successfully.