Cricket, a bat-and-ball sport, similar to softball and baseball, is the second most watched sport in the world, yet it has only newly been introduced to Commack students.

“Cricket isn’t a popular sport, especially in America, and it’s more baseball you hear about, so, it was kind of weird hearing about cricket [in Commack] and learning about it,” said sophomore Winnie H.

Cricket is a popular sport globally, especially in the South Asian region, England, Australia, and the Caribbean, according to AP News. 

“There’s a big cultural aspect to cricket that a lot of Americans aren’t aware of and it’s a very popular sport throughout the world,” said physical education teacher Matthew Salmon.

Bringing a new sport to physical education classes allowed students to get a sneak peak into other cultures, because cricket has a major cultural component. Played globally, it can unite fans and teach students about diversity.

“I liked learning about cricket because it was an international sport. It was nice to have some diversity especially in sports and everyone playing it,” said junior Ayden S., via Messages.

While cricket is a new sport brought to Commack, it is an extremely old sport, originating in the 17th century. Since it is new to the Commack community, the High School does not have the proper equipment to properly play the sport, but the rules remain the same.

“[…] The cricket ball is kind of hard so we don’t use a proper cricket ball due to the risk of injuries. We use a softer ball and a softer bat. The rules are pretty much the same. You have to run from wicket to wicket. You have to catch the ball and you’re out the same way,” said Salmon.

The introduction of cricket to physical education classes can allow for the sport to gain popularity among students in Commack.◼️