Continental Cricket Club

It is winter in the twin cities. Most people are indoors, trying to keep out of the bitter cold. But there was this group of men, who dared to wear shorts and Ts, warmed up without the three layers of clothes, used gloves but only for batting. They branded themselves Continental. Sandeep Hirekerur, has been in the middle of all this.

Under Sandeep Hirekerur's guidance, CCC has become one of the best cricket clubs in MN to play for. His vision and leadership skills, combined with his fondness for the game, have nurtured the team for over 25 years and brought it where it stands today. As a player, captain, president of the club, Sandeep has been involved with most of the recruiting, organizing, planning, logistics and many more tasks. His commitment, dedication and vision has made CCC the best of the teams in Minnesota Cricket. Continental has always fared excellently and qualified for the playoffs year after year. Few teams in the league can boast of such a enthusiastic, committed and talented team.

This celebrated team in itself is a whole cricketing community. The diversity in the club is very visible with a mix of working professionals and students, from various walks of life. Ex-players have always been a great asset to Continental. What with encouraging emails, to visiting games, to advise on other issues, they create a sense of brotherhood. Over the past 5 years, the team has been associated with 43 amazing individuals.

Team Continental has always commanded the respect of the cricketing fraternity. And the respect has been both on and off the field. Be it volunteering, assisting or even leading events, Continental has been in the forefront of everything. The club also recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices and endurance of the wives, girl friends and family members of the players. The food and company are other lures onto the cricket fields.

Drives, catches, bowled's, dives, pulls, drops, wides, rainouts, satellites, idea shots, lifebuoys…everything has a meaning, each word coined in the Continental dictionary. With phrases like "My thing is", "Oh really!!", "We plastered them", always lingering in the air, there is only one phrase that pierces the summer air --- GO CONTINENTAL !!


Cricket in Minnesota

Minnesota is more famous for its arctic winters and the 10,000 lakes, than its beautiful and warm summers. Any cricket enthusiast will be surprised to know that Minnesota has a very competitive league governed by the Minnesota Cricket Association (MCA) . This non-profit organization has been in existence for almost thirty years and has been in the forefront of promoting cricket in Minnesota. MCA comprises of 19 teams which are split into two divisions. Late spring through early fall constitutes the cricket season in Minnesota with the 40 over league and 20 over league/knock out tournaments being the main events. The season culminates with the ever colorful Country Tournament, where teams formed from different cricket playing nations play for pride and fun.