(Courtesy/Dr. Jacky)

While many members of the Columbus Academy community slept in last Thursday, members of Desi Club arrived at school at 4:30 a.m. ready to represent their countries in the International Cricket Council World Cup. Attendees enjoyed assorted cereals and biscuits as they watched the highly anticipated match, where Bangladesh took on India in Maharashtra stadium.

Cricket, while not as popular in the United States, is the second most popular sport in the world with 2.5 billion fans eagerly watching the matches take place. Although the sport originated in England, most of its fans, and competitors in the World Cup, are found in South Asia; making this viewing party perfect for Desi club members and cricket fans alike.

The rules of Cricket, though they seem confusing at first, prove to be fairly simple. Eleven players from each team take the field, taking turns batting and bowling. The batting team’s goal is to score runs (or points) by hitting the ball, while the bowling team tries to catch said ball. If the batters catch 10, the play is over. Runs are scored differently based on how far they travel and balls have 360º of play. With so many variables, it’s hard for fans to look away. 

The countries that qualified for this year’s ICC World Cup are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, with India being many’s pick to take home the coveted trophy.

The ICC will be taking place through November 19th, where the athletes, and fans, will face each other for the title.