On Sunday, the 22nd, June 2014, the Vrindavana Preservation Society (VPS), a non-profit Indian organization based in Quincy, MA concluded its 12th annual Cricket Tournament.  The family-friendly event was a  roaring success, with over a thousand people in attendance.

Twenty four teams from across New England, fought hard to compete in the most prestigious tournament in the area.  The tournament had  forty three matches in total, spread across just three weekends, including a special womens’ game played on the day of the finals.

Matches were held on three grounds, at the Joy Hanlon fields, a scenic locale, overlooking the backwaters of Quincy.   In the final match, played on Sunday, Team Baba beat Team X11 to claim the championship trophy. Earlier in the day Team Baba ousted defending champions Waltham 11 to get to the finals, while X11 defeated Team Kiladi in another semi-final match.

Since its inception in 2003, this tournament stands out from others in New England, mainly from the passion, perseverance and dedication of its organizers and volunteers. In tournament season, VPS members. serve in performing numerous tasks including scheduling and coordinating matches with teams, maintaining and preparing the grounds and in cleanup efforts, media communication etc. In addition, complementary meals are provided to everyone present on the grounds on all days of the tournament.Music is played during breaks to enhance the festive spirit of those present.

Each year, this event is awaited with eagerness by patrons and players, especially those in the South Asian Community. Teams and fans included individuals from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

In the twelve years since its inception, the tournament has attracted notable media attention and has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines and online articles such as the Times of India, Boston Globe, NECN, Lokvani, Patriot Ledger, Quincy Sun and India New England. Notable Sponsors include Taste of India restaurant, RI, India Delight restaurant, MA, South Shore India Market and numerous other businesses in the Quincy area.

Special mention should be given to the following individuals who contributed immensely to the success of this tournament: Keshav Shukla, VPS President and founding member, Cricket committee chairman,Nikhil Wadhwa, Head Umpire Chetan Anand and Rajesh Mudaliar.

VPS is run exclusively by volunteers and seeks to promote Indian culture in the US and around the world. In addition to organizing this tournament, VPS also organizes cultural events all around the year that include a day long 'Yogathon’, Holi and Diwali celebrations among others.. For more information on VPS activities, please visit us on the web at www.vps-international.org.

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