What’s a Wicket?

Even if you were born and raised on the sport, cricket can be confusing. What’s a test match? Why do they call that little rectangle on the field the “pitch”? Why on Earth does a match take three to five days? Why are the announcers so freakin’ boring? (Answer: Because they’re typically British and too reserved to yell like Dick Vitale.) Most Americans think of cricket as really boring baseball, and they’re halfway right: Cricket is the predecessor of America’s national pastime. But to the rabid fans across the globe, this game is far from boring. It’s the sport of kings, we tell you — kings!

“The rest of the world is very passionate about cricket. In the West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Africa ... it’s the most popular sport. In fact, cricket is the second-most popular viewed sport in the world, second only to the World Cup,” says Nino DiLoreto, director of media for Cricket Council USA. The Boca-based organization is bringing the sport to the migrant masses with the MAQ T20 International Cricket Tournament, the first international tourney in the States. Look for three days of runs, innings, bowlers, and batsmen this Memorial Weekend, as well as a concert featuring island superstars Alison Hinds, Marcia Griffiths, and Ky-Mani Marley beginning after the game Saturday. Bat hits ball in the cricket stadium at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Pl., Lauderhill. That might sound far away, but trust us: Homesick Trinis and Jamaicans from Homestead will make the trek for this fete. Admission is $10; $20 after 5 p.m.
Sat., May 24, 2008