Troy officials broke ground at Boulan Park yesterday, marking the beginning of Southeast Michigan’s first full-sized cricket field construction, a project over two decades in the making. The event was celebrated by city representatives and community members who are hopeful the new venue will not only provide a space for sports but also enhance the local economy and reflect the area’s growing cultural diversity. The $900,000 project is funded by a state allocation, as reported by WWJ Newsradio.
The cricket field will feature modern amenities such as a scoreboard, dugouts, and a hybrid pitch surface. Spearheaded by state Rep. Sharon MacDonell, D-Troy, the project received significant community support and is expected to gain certification from the International Cricket Association of Michigan. The sport’s popularity has been on the rise in the U.S., with the 2024 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup further boosting cricket’s visibility. Vinodh Mudaliar, President of Michigan Youth Cricket Academy, highlighted the sport’s local growth, mentioning that over 300 young players are now involved across the state, as per WXYZ.
Despite the enthusiasm, not all residents are convinced the investment is wise. Some, like Ashley Waltford, expressed concerns about the project’s cost, suggesting that road repairs or park maintenance might be more pressing needs. Nonetheless, Troy Mayor Ethan Baker remains optimistic, predicting that the cricket field will draw visitors and stimulate spending at local businesses, as cited by WWJ Newsradio.
