MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The Town of Morrisville is set to host the Minor League Cricket championships at the end of the month.
The outdoor sport of cricket is gaining popularity in the U.S.
The primary aim of the tournament is to give a platform and opportunity for the best cricketers in America to showcase their abilities at the national level. The organization also wants to build cricket communities across the country, the league's website states.
What You Need To Know
- Morrisville will host the Minor League Cricket Championships August 27-28
- A free welcome event will be held on finals weekend with food, music and a kids cricket clinic
- Eight teams will compete this weekend with the final four advancing to the finals
Dane Piedt is the captain of the Morrisville Raptors cricket team.
After a phenomenal cricket career in South Africa, Piedt moved to North Carolina to help grow the sport.
“Cricket is an adventure. It takes you around the world," Piedt said. "When the opportunity came, I didn’t even think about it twice. I wanted to be open to something different and here we are in America, in North Carolina, playing the game I do love.”
Morrisville is home to North Carolina’s only Minor League Cricket team. Piedt said he is impressed with the growing fan base that already exists for cricket in North Carolina.
The town recently committed to a multi-million dollar partnership with the minor league. Funds will go toward facility and field improvements.
“To play with American kids who are highly skilled, it just shows the amount of talent that is in the country," Piedt said.