Press Release US Open Premier League 2024

US Open Premier League 2024: A Thrilling Celebration of Cricket Excellence in North America

Lauderhill, Florida – December 23, 2024

The 16th edition of the US Open Premier League concluded with a resounding success, showcasing cricket’s growing popularity and talent pool in North America. Held from December 14 to December 21, 2024, the tournament brought together five dynamic teams and culminated in a grand finale that celebrated the sport’s competitive spirit and community engagement.

Tournament Highlights

The Chicago Catchers emerged victorious, securing the championship title in a closely contested final against the DC Eagles. This season’s tournament witnessed a confluence of international stars, experienced first-class players, and promising newcomers, setting a new benchmark for cricket in the region.

---

Match Summaries

1. Chicago Catchers Crowned Champions
   • Final Match, December 21, 2024
     In an electrifying finale, Chicago Catchers posted a competitive total of 162/8, led by the strategic brilliance of captain Rizwan Cheema and managed by cricket legend Zaheer Khan. The DC Eagles, under the experienced leadership of Mohammad Asif, fought valiantly but fell just short, scoring 155/5. This victory underscored the Catchers’ exceptional teamwork and tactical edge.
2. DC Eagles Secure Final Spot
   • Semi-Final, December 20, 2024
     The DC Eagles delivered a commanding performance, defeating the NY Yorkers in a decisive semi-final match. With standout contributions from tournament MVP Hussain Bukhari, who took six wickets, the Eagles ensured their place in the final.
3. Chicago Catchers Dominate LA Lions
   • Semi-Final, December 20, 2024
     The Chicago Catchers asserted their dominance over the LA Lions, clinching their final berth with remarkable all-round performances. Strong batting partnerships and disciplined bowling were key to their success.
4. NY Yorkers Qualify Despite Loss
   • Group Match, December 19, 2024
     The NY Yorkers showcased resilience by securing a semi-final spot despite a loss to the Dallas Smashers in a thrilling group-stage encounter. Their consistent performances earlier in the tournament earned them a place in the playoffs.
5. Standout Individual Performances
   • Hussain Bukhari (DC Eagles): Tournament MVP with a record-breaking century and six wickets in the semi-finals.
   • Nisar Wahdat (DC Eagles): Best Batsman Award for his three 50+ scores, including an unbeaten half-century in the final.

---

Award Ceremony and Closing Highlights

The tournament concluded with a grand awards ceremony, where trophies were presented by Ms. Hazelle P. Rogers, Broward County Commissioner, at the iconic Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground. The evening celebrated the champions, Chicago Catchers, and runners-up, DC Eagles, in the presence of cricket enthusiasts and dignitaries.

Ms. Hazelle P. Rogers, the Broward County Commissioner, presented the coveted winner and runner-up trophies. This honor holds special significance as Broward County proudly stands as the first county in the USA to construct a cricket arena meeting the rigorous standards of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The closing ceremony was illuminated by the presence of a distinguished lineup of VIPs and influential figures, including:

• MAQ Qureshi, Visionary Founder & CEO of Cricket Council USA (CCUSA)
• Shazaib Rind, Celebrated World Champion in Karate Combat
• Sofian Qamar, Influential President of CCUSA
• Samantha Qureshi, Diligent CFO of CCUSA
• Mohammed Markatia, Prominent Member of the CCUSA Board of Directors
• Michael Chambers, Illustrious Founder & Chairman of the Cricket Hall of Fame
• Shuja Khan, President of the Philadelphia Cricket League & Senior Vice President of CCUSA, managing Team Washington DC Eagles
• Prahlad Madabhushi, Vice-President CCUSA and Manager of Dallas Smashers
• Chitan Trivedi, Expert in Team Branding and Licensing Development for the US Open Cricket Premier League, overseeing the management of Team NY Yorkers
• Shakaib Rahimi, Dedicated Manager of LA Lions
• Faisal Iqbal, Captain of the LA Lions and respected U.S. Open commentator
• Nanda Bhagi, Cricket Hall of Famer and esteemed member of the US Open Cricket Marketing Management team
• Zaheer Khan, Accomplished Manager of Chicago Catchers

The ceremony marked the culmination of an extraordinary tournament, reflecting the growing prominence of cricket in the USA and its vibrant community.

International Participation

This year’s league featured 10 international cricket stars alongside talented first-class players, reflecting cricket’s global appeal and growing presence in the USA.

Looking Ahead

The US Open Premier League continues as a cornerstone event, fostering talent and bringing communities together. Plans for the 2025 edition are already underway, promising even greater excitement and participation.

Watch Live

Catch all the action and relive the thrills on MAQtv platforms, including YouTube, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. Visit www.maqtv.com for more information.

---

For press inquiries, please contact:
Cricket Council USA (CCUSA)
Email: info@ccusa.com | Website: www.cricketusopen.com