21st May 2025
MLC Receives Official List A Status from ICC

MLC Receives Official List A Status from ICC

by | May 30, 2024 | Editors Choice, Sports

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Major League Cricket (MLC) has been granted official List A status by the ICC, making it an officially recognized T20 league. The league, which is based in the USA, is planning to expand from six teams to 10 in the coming seasons. The 2024 season will start on July 5, a week after the T20 World Cup ends. 

Major League Cricket (MLC), the season-old T20 tournament in the USA, has become the second Associate-run franchise competition to acquire List A status from the ICC, following on from the UAE’s ILT20 earlier this year.

The status means that MLC will now be recognised as an official T20 league, with tournament playing records now counted as official format statistics. The league is also planning to expand from the current six teams to 10 in the coming seasons.

The 2024 edition of MLC will start on July 5, a week after the T20 World Cup ends on June 29 in Bridgetown. The T20 World Cup begins, however, in Dallas, USA on June 1, in what is an important season in the game’s continuing efforts to crack the US market.

The Guardian, which reported on the awarding of List A status on Monday, also revealed MLC’s plans to expand from the current six teams to 10 over the next few years, jumping from 19 games in 2023 to 34 by 2025. Twenty-five games have already been scheduled for this season.

MLC’s chief executive, Vijay Srinivasan, stated that the league wants to start in early June in 2025, avoiding a clash with the Hundred’s July-August window. The first season ran from July 13 to 31 with 15 group-stage games followed by four playoff matches, and ended with MI New York lifting the trophy under the captaincy of Nicholas Pooran. The second season will be played across the same two grounds which hosted the first season – the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and the Church Street Park Stadium in Morrisville.

Vice President Harris Calls for More Indian Americans in Politics

Vice President Harris Calls for More Indian Americans in Politics

by | May 24, 2024 | Community, Editors Choice, Indian-American

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Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a crowd of Indian Americans this week, emphasizing the importance of South Asians running for office in the United States.

Despite Indian Americans becoming the most populous ‘Asian-alone’ group in the country, with 4.4 million people identifying as ‘Indian-alone’ on the 2020 U.S. Census, there are only five Indian American members of Congress out of 535. Harris made these remarks at the Indian American Impact’s annual summit ‘Desis Decide’ in Washington, D.C., calling for a change in the representation of Indian Americans in politics.

She encouraged the community to participate in the electoral process and highlighted the upcoming election as crucial to their lives. With 68% of Indian Americans leaning towards the Democratic Party, they are considered one of the most progressive Asian American groups. However, there is a growing sense of skepticism towards the Biden administration among Indian American voters, with President Biden’s approval rating at 43% and Vice President Harris’ at 56%.

The progressive organization Hindus for Human Rights staged a walkout during Harris’ speech at the summit to protest the administration’s handling of Israel’s war in Gaza. This issue has resonated with young South Asian voters who are reevaluating their political affiliations.

Despite the challenges, Harris emphasized the importance of participating in elections to bring about change. She assured Indian Americans that progress is on the horizon and urged them to continue striving for a more inclusive and representative government.

Harris highlighted her own journey as a testament to the promise of America and encouraged the community to persevere in their pursuit of political engagement.

Global Impact: Microsoft and Khan Academy’s AI Initiative in K-12 Education

Global Impact: Microsoft and Khan Academy’s AI Initiative in K-12 Education

by | May 24, 2024 | @HH Bright Zone, Editors Choice

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In an announcement on May 21 at Microsoft Build, tech giant Microsoft and educational powerhouse Khan Academy unveiled plans to revolutionize K-12 education with AI-driven tools.

Leveraging Microsoft’s Azure AI-optimized infrastructure, Khan Academy’s pioneering ‘Khanmigo for Teachers’ program is set to become freely accessible to educators across the United States.

This partnership marks a significant stride towards democratizing education, as the innovative AI-powered teaching assistant, Khanmigo, promises to redefine classroom dynamics.

The companies are looking into how small language models (SLMs) like Microsoft’s new Phi-3 models can enhance and scale AI tutoring tools. These SLMs are more cost-effective and user-friendly than larger models, making them suitable for simpler AI tasks. By integrating everyday items into physics lessons and employing a conversational Socratic method, Khanmigo fosters engagement and critical thinking among students, as testified by educators and students alike. Moreover, the collaboration aims to alleviate the burdens weighing heavily on teachers, offering them invaluable time-saving features. With just a click, teachers can effortlessly generate personalized lesson plans, suggest student groupings, and adapt content to cater to diverse learning needs, potentially saving an average of five working hours per week.

Looking ahead, the partnership seeks to expand accessibility beyond U.S. borders, envisioning localized AI solutions for resource-constrained schools worldwide. As the CEO of Khan Academy Sal Khan envisions, this alliance between technology and education heralds a return to the roots of personalized learning, where every student is empowered to reach their full potential.

With AI as their guide, educators embark on a journey to nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers, reaffirming Khan’s vision to treat every child as a future emperor.

Underdog USA Triumphs Over Bangladesh in T20 Series

Underdog USA Triumphs Over Bangladesh in T20 Series

by | May 24, 2024 | Indian-American, Sports

Reading Time: 2 minutes
The United States cricket team has pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Bangladesh in a thrilling series ahead of the T20 World Cup.

In a nail-biting match in Houston, Texas, the USA emerged victorious by six runs, claiming their second Twenty20 international win and securing the series. The American team, led by fast bowler Ali Khan, put up a stellar performance, with Khan taking 3-25 to dismantle the Bangladeshi batting lineup. Despite a strong start by Bangladesh, they faltered in the face of the USA’s bowling attack, losing their last eight wickets for just 60 runs.

The series win comes as a major boost for the USA as they prepare to co-host the upcoming T20 World Cup in the US and Caribbean. The victory was particularly sweet for Khan, who was named the Man of the Match for his outstanding contribution to the team’s success. The USA skipper Monank Patel’s top-score of 42, supported by Steven Taylor and Aaron Jones, played a crucial role in setting up the win. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to regroup and bounce back in the final game of the series. Despite the disappointment, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remains optimistic about his team’s chances, emphasizing the need for a change in mindset.

The USA’s triumph over Bangladesh serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket and sets the stage for an exciting T20 World Cup. With the momentum on their side, the American team will be looking to make a mark on the global stage and continue their winning streak. As the cricketing world gears up for the upcoming tournament, all eyes will be on the USA following their shock series win over Bangladesh.

Irving to Unveil New Cricket Fields !!

Irving to Unveil New Cricket Fields !!

by | May 16, 2024 | Community, Sports

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Irving Parks and Recreation is set to bring new and improved cricket fields to the city, catering to the growing demand for the sport. The construction of two new cricket fields at Sam Houston Trail Park and Mountain Creek Preserve, along with upgrades to existing facilities, will provide ample space for players to practice and compete.

The project, which began earlier this year, includes site preparation, grading, and the installation of irrigation systems at three existing cricket fields to ensure top-quality playing conditions. Pitch installation is set to commence this month, with irrigation installation scheduled for the summer, weather permitting. Sod will be laid in the fall, and the fields are expected to open for public use once established.

Funding for these projects has been secured through various channels, including $217,414 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by the Irving City Council. Additional funding is pending for essential components such as concrete cricket pitches, sod installation, and shade elements. The city’s Water Utilities Department will also install an irrigation meter at one of the fields, resulting in cost savings for the city.

The new and enhanced cricket fields are a testament to the city’s commitment to providing diverse recreational opportunities for its residents. With the growing popularity of cricket in the area, these facilities will not only cater to the existing cricket community but also attract new players and enthusiasts.

The development of these cricket fields aligns with the city’s efforts to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among its residents. It also reflects the city’s dedication to investing in recreational infrastructure that meets the needs and interests of its diverse population.

As the project progresses, the community can look forward to enjoying state-of-the-art cricket facilities that will enhance the overall sports landscape in Irving. The new fields are expected to be a hub for cricket enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, further enriching the city’s recreational offerings.