FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVEMBER 21 ,2011

Broward County, Lauderhill, Florida – 2011 UNITED STATES CRICKET OPEN

          On December 1, 2011 at 8 am the Opening Ceremonies for the 3^rd Annual US Cricket Open will take place at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida. The event is presented by Cricket Council USA and the South Florida Cricket Alliance.

          This exciting event will take place December 1, 2, 3 and 4, 2011 at Central Broward Regional Park (Lauderhill, Florida), Brian Piccolo Park (Cooper City, Florida) and Miramar Regional Park (Miramar, Florida). Thirty two (32) teams combined with former international, national and local players will compete in the largest cricket tournament in United States history. Cash prizes are awarded to finalists and admissions to the games are free and open to the public, with only the county park entry fee required.

          The US Cricket Open began in 2009 and has grown from its initial ten (10) team competition, to eighteen (18) teams last year and this year, the overwhelming participation has created thirty two (32) teams. The idea emanated from the T-20 fast game of cricket, lasting between 2-2 ½ hours, consistent with other popular US sports and tournaments such as football, baseball, basketball, soccer and golf. This event is the fastest growing sporting event in the US, after its humble beginnings in 2008 by MAQ. “We are striving for sixty four (64) teams in our largest tournament ever next year, 2012” boast Mahammad "Maq" Qureshi, founder and former CEO of CCUSA.

          MAQ, who is running for President of USACA in the upcoming elections to be held on December, 2011, was recently induct into the Cricket Hall of Fame in Hartford, CT for his dedication to the game of cricket and his undying support, development and promotion of cricket in the US. MAQ created the tournament concept as an US Cricket Open event to further educate those in the US as to the historical game of cricket with the aspirations of having cricket grow to the same popularity as other traditional American spectator sports.  MAQ’s vision for the future of this tournament and US cricket has evolved from his enthusiasm for the sport which emanated from his childhood. “This tournament will play like any other national sport in the US, with national and international sponsorships” in upcoming years, MAQ states with his gleeful grin which is recognized well by those close to him.

          The participating team in the 3^rd Annual US Cricket Open is required to have at least one (1) under 19 year old on the  team roster. Tournament organizers have encouraged and incorporated the development of youth cricket into this historic event and will continue to have the involvement of youth in all US based national cricket events. Over 96 applications for 32 team spots were received and the selection process and criteria was carefully enacted by tournament organizers. Considering there are 800 teams in the US alone “this was unexpected and delightful” beams MAQ.

          Presenters and MAQ encourage all cricketers, fans and supporters, past and “future” to come join this year’s 3^rd Annual US Cricket Open December 1, 2, 3 and 4, 2011 and help place this piece in the history of US cricket.

For more information or schedules please visit: www.cricketcouncilusa.com, email info@cricketcouncilusa.com or call (561) 361-1700.