If you’re looking for proof of how immigrants contribute to making America great, look no further than the latest ICC Cricket World Cup results. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the U.S. cricket team has advanced to the Super 8 Round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, now underway in the Caribbean and the U.S.
This historic achievement is thanks to the immigrant team members and those with immigrant heritage who make up Team USA. Most players hail from India, Pakistan, and the Caribbean, with two from South Africa and one from New Zealand. They have single-handedly given America a new sport to be proud of globally and cricket is finally getting its due in America, thanks to immigrants.
Team USA’s journey to the Super 8 round included victories over Canada and Pakistan, and a narrow defeat to India, who topped Group A and also advanced to the next stage. Team USA faced South Africa in Antigua on Wednesday, June 19, as part of the Super 8 round hosted across the Caribbean.
Here’s a look at the immigrant and immigrant heritage players who have helped America make history as part of Team USA:
- Monank Patel, 31: Born in India, he is the captain of the United States national cricket team, playing as a right-handed top-order batsman and wicketkeeper since 2018.
- Aaron Jones: The current vice-captain of the U.S. Cricket Team, is of Bajan parentage. He is a right-handed top-order batsman and occasional leg spinner.
- Steven Ryan Taylor: Born in Florida to Jamaican parents, he is a left-handed top-order batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler.
- Gajanand Singh: Born in Guyana, his cricket journey began with the West Indies under-19 team, and he has played first-class and List A cricket for Guyana.
- Kyle Phillip, 27: Born in Trinidad and Tobago, he made his List A debut for the United States in the 2018–19 Regional Super50 tournament.
- Corey James Anderson, 33: Born in New Zealand, he played as an all-rounder for New Zealand and various IPL teams.
- Andries Gous, 30: Born in South Africa, he plays as a wicket-keeper for the United States national cricket team.
- Saurabh Naresh Netravalkar, 32: Born in Mumbai, India, he is a left-arm medium-fast bowler and represented the India under-19 team.
- Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan, 33: Born in Pakistan, he has played for the United States since 2016 as a right-arm fast bowler.
- Harmeet Singh Baddhan, 31: Born in India, he qualified for the U.S. team by residency and made his Twenty20 International debut in 2024.
- Jasdeep “Jessy” Singh, 31: Born to Indian parents in Queens, NY, he is a right-arm medium-pace bowler.
- Shayan Jahangir, 29: Born in Pakistan, he is a right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper for Team USA.
- Nosthush Pradeep Kenjige, 33: Born in Alabama to Indian parents, he is a left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox bowler.
- Shadley van Schalkwyk, 35: Born in South Africa, he is a left-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler.
- Usman Rafiq, 35: Born in Pakistan, he made his List A debut for the United States in the 2017–18 Regional Super50 tournament.
- Nisarg Patel, 36, was born in India and is a left-arm orthodox spin bowler for the United States national cricket team.
- Milind Kumar was born in India and is a right-hand batsman and an occasional off-break bowler for the United States national cricket team. Previously, he played for Delhi and Sikkim in Indian domestic cricket.
- Yasir Saeed Mohammad, 21, was born in Edison, New Jersey to a Pakistani immigrant family. He is a bowler for the United States national cricket team and also plays for the Manhattan Yorkers in Minor League Cricket.
- Sushant Jayachandra Modani, 35, was born in India and was named in the United States squad in 2021.
- Juanoy Drysdale, 28, was born in Jamaica and is an emerging fast bowler for the USA. Drysdale made his international debut in 2021 and has quickly made a mark with his pace and ability to generate bounce. Known for his aggressive bowling style and knack for taking early wickets, he has become a promising talent in the American cricket scene. Drysdale’s athleticism and potential make him a player to watch for the future, as he continues to develop and contribute to the USA’s cricketing aspirations.
These players have not only helped Team USA make history but also showcased the incredible contributions of immigrants to American sports.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Felicia J. Persaud is the publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, a daily news outlet focused on positive news on the Black immigrant communities of the Caribbean and Latin America.