- John Thickett, Candidate for Treasurer

John Thickett is in a two-way race against incumbent Selwyn Caesar for the post of Treasurer in the forthcoming USACA elections.

John Thickett is a successful entrepreneur who has held leadership positions in several manufacturing and service industries. He currently serves as the CFO and Chief Marketing Officer of Austin based Tusker Group.

As a cricketer, John Thickett has been active in Austin and has been a key contributor in Central Texas Cricket League (CTCL) as well as the Central West region.

DreamCricket.com spoke to him about his plans for USACA if he gets elected. Here is what he had to say -

DreamCricket: John, thanks for talking to us. We are very close to the election. How do you rate your team’s chances to win this election?

John Thickett: Very good. We are in an extremely strong position to win this election. I think the voters realize a team of people is needed to start to address several of the issues facing US cricket and create momentum. Our team spent time getting to know each other and we already know we can work well together. We bring many different skill-sets and experiences to US cricket and each one of them is important. When I talk to the League Presidents I am urging them to vote for our whole team in order to have a complete team.

DreamCricket: Why are you part of a Ram Varadarajan slate? You could have run on your own as with some of the candidates in this election. Instead, you have tied your electoral fortunes to a number of other folks.

John Thickett: This was very deliberate – we are a TEAM – we each bring different skills and experiences – we discuss and argue points and come up with solutions. It is critical that voters understand this – we work together well and the results will be much better if you have a balanced team running USACA. Teams get results – not individuals. If voters pick and choose candidates then they risk electing a number of individuals who will not be able to work together – that will be a disaster.

DreamCricket: What level of cricket did you play in UK? Do you still find time for active cricket?

John Thickett: I played as a youngster with Salts Cricket Club, part of the Bradford league in Yorkshire, England, at grammar school and at the intra-mural level at university in the UK. I still play in one of my club’s recreational teams and enjoy it greatly – my goal is to try and play at some basic level until I am 60.

As I get older I prefer the shorter Twenty20 format. I feel my real value add for cricket is in administration rather than on the field and I am sure many of my team mates would agree with that analysis!

DreamCricket: How did you end up in USA? Please tell me more about your involvement in USA cricket.

John Thickett: I first visited the US in 1986 when I graduated from engineering school in the UK. I came to the US in 1988 to study for my MBA and apart from two years consulting in Europe in the early 1990s I have been here ever since. I started with my club the Hill Country Cricket Association in the late 1990s. After incorporation I worked with a team of members to get a ground and net facility developed in conjunction with a local county and was involved in raising around $25K to build the ground. The club has grown now to around 60 members now.

We started a new league in Central Texas around four years ago and I have been a Director of the league since its inception. Just recently the league obtained its own ground from a local county who also funded the development of the land. We play matches in cities and towns such as Killeen, Seguin, San Antonio, Round Rock and Austin.

For the past few years I have represented the Central Texas cricket league on the Central West region and was elected Treasurer a few weeks back.

DreamCricket: Why did you decide to run for Treasurer?

John Thickett: Many people were criticizing USACA last year but I never heard someone stand up and say I can do a better job. I believe you have to put your money where your mouth is so I started to talk with other folks, including those on the New Inning team about building a team for change. In my career I have been involved in raising both equity and debt capital, managing businesses and negotiating complex contracts and transactions – all good experiences for a Treasurer to have.

DreamCricket: You are a Harvard MBA. You might be the first Harvard MBA to focus your energies on cricket.

John Thickett: I don’t know – I doubt that – I am sure there are several other Harvard Business School MBAs around the world involved with cricket management.

DreamCricket: You are a CFO and Chief Marketing Officer of Tusker Group - that is a unique combination because it shows that you are focused both on business development and on the financial side. How do you see that experience helping your role as Treasurer?

John Thickett: In my business our contracts with clients can be complex and require both a business development and finance skill-set to assess and manage risk. For USACA to grow we will need to enter into complex multi-year agreements to get money flowing into US cricket. I believe I have some very relevant skills and experiences for those discussions and negotiations.

DreamCricket: How important is good and prompt record keeping for fundraising?

John Thickett: It is extremely important to keep books such that taxes and other statutory filings are made promptly, to allow donors to receive tax receipts for their donations, and to demonstrate that we are a well-oiled machine. Accountability is a crucial part of fund-raising. To me, that means financial accountability, fund-raising accountability and organizational accountability.

DreamCricket: What role can the Treasurer play in furthering the cause of transparency and efficient governance? There is a perception that USACA administration was somewhat lacking in this area.

John Thickett: Running an efficient financial operation and communicating the financial status and health regularly to the membership in an open and honest way is what my job is all about. There is no short cut, we want to be best of breed and being open and honest is the only way to build trust. As a professional team, we will follow best-practices and we will rely on our wealth of corporate experience. We can also look to the experience of other organizations, such as in dealings with the ICC.

DreamCricket: We know of several leagues that have dropped out of the USACA system or never joined USACA because they feel that their own constituents do not perceive USACA to be transparent or fair.

John Thickett: I think by working openly and transparently over time trust and confidence will be built again. We can bring about these much needed changes that will result in a vast improvement in how USACA is perceived domestically, but also the way USACA is perceived globally.

Regarding the disenfranchised leagues, I want to add that one of Ram’s and in fact the New Inning team’s goal is to reach out to all the disenfranchised leagues. We will invite each and everyone who plays cricket in USA, youth, women, collegiate cricketers, seniors, all American cricketers, and find ways to involve them in USACA so that we can work together for the benefit of cricket. Outreach is an integral part of sport and thus a key part of our team’s vision.

DreamCricket: Have you have reviewed the public records, e.g. tax records, of USACA? What are your thoughts on that?

John Thickett: Yes – someone sent me the links last weekend. It is sad when other nations are developing that USACA is broke.

DreamCricket: If you look at the 2005 tax filing, the picture looks bleak - income was $67K versus expenses of $224K. That put the net loss at $157K. On the balance sheet - cash went to $1K and payables grew to $162K. The organization had a negative net worth at end of 2005. Without knowing whether the situation improved in 2006 and 2007, it does appear that USACA is broke! How do you see this picture changing? What does it take to revive the organization? And how can Ram Varadarajan and his slate help?

John Thickett: If the New Inning team is elected we will strive to quickly remove the ICC suspension, get cash flow started again and target raising $1 Million to develop cricket. We have a number of potential sponsors already identified. We are also committed to getting the money out to the leagues and regions on a matching basis so that they can make the local investment decisions.

DreamCricket: So the leagues and regions will potentially receive matching money from USACA if your team gets elected?

John Thickett: Yes. We must invest in leagues and regions if cricket must grow. USACA, the regions, the leagues, and the clubs - we are all partners and we must work together. If a league wants to build a ground, we will not only help them financially, but we will also support the league so that it can go out and raise their own money. And we will also provide the league with support as it negotiates with local government. Our plan is more than just giving handouts. We plan to create a comprehensive partnership with the league, one that is performance based and goal oriented.

DreamCricket: In the past, there have been some contracts and projects that were talked about. In most cases, these contracts have involved companies wanting to host international cricket in USA and gaining access to USA audience. USA has been viewed as a consumer market for international cricket.

ICC must certainly want a lion’s share for allowing international players to play in USA. How would you make sure USACA’s interests are protected?

John Thickett: My view is that we should negotiate in good faith with all involved parties for the best possible arrangement for USACA and its members. If we make USACA relevant and respected domestically and overseas, we will also be able to negotiate from a stronger position than we can now.

DreamCricket: Can we talk about your rival in this election? What is your assessment of Selwyn Caesar (the incumbent)? Was he very responsive in your dealings with him when you were at CTCL?

John Thickett: I have a great deal of respect for Selwyn Caesar, just as I do for all the men and women in the US who contribute freely of their time and know-how to support cricket. Selwyn has worked over the years for USACA and is to be sincerely thanked for his efforts.

I believe that the time is right for a new person to take over the Treasurer role. The voters will make that decision. Certainly if Selwyn wins I will wish him well for another term, and I am sure that if I win he will work to transition over to me all the financial records and files I will need to take over the role.

DreamCricket: Thanks again John. And good luck with your election.

John Thickett: Thank you for this opportunity.

- John Aaron, Candidate for Secretary

John Aaron has been described by former West Indies Cricket Board President Ken Gordon, as “a true statesman.” More recently, ICC’s Chief Executive Malcolm Speed described his views on direction of USACA as “very impressive.” He is the recipient of several academic and civic awards including the prestigious New York University’s Prism Award for outstanding alumni.
Mr. Aaron is not only highly regarded as a cricket administrator, but is known to many of DreamCricket’s readers as a passionate writer.

DreamCricket interviewed John Aaron, who is the candidate for Secretary in the USACA elections to be held on March 29, 2008.

DreamCricket: John, firstly, and perhaps in the interest of full disclosure, I must thank you for writing your columns for DreamCricket on issues pertaining to USA cricket. And I want to take this opportunity to go on record - I want our readers to know that you have written your columns for DreamCricket.com without any monetary expectation. That is just an illustration of how deeply you care about USA cricket.

Although, we know who the best candidates are in the election, your candidacy for Secretary is one DreamCricket would have no hesitation in openly endorsing - having known you for the last two years, I cannot think of a better qualified person for the job.

We think it is USA cricket’s good fortune that you have offered to translate your thoughts and words into actions through your candidacy for USACA Secretary.

John Aaron: I am flattered by your very kind sentiments. In life I believe we are all gifted with special talents. How we use those talents defines who we are and the content of our character. I enjoy writing about cricketers and cricket, because I often attempt to look beyond the player’s accomplishments. Through my columns, I hope I have helped communicate the need to increase interest in the sport, here in the US.

DreamCricket: Tell me a little bit about your involvement in cricket. When did you start playing cricket? What brought you to America? Why are you so passionate about this sport?

John Aaron: I played cricket up to the Secondary School level, before switching to club soccer. However, my late father Reggie Aaron was heavily involved in cricket as a first-class club player, writer and a national radio cricket commentator. I suppose I always had the cricket genes in my DNA, but never fully realized them, until I migrated to the USA to continue my university studies.

In fact, it was my brother Keith Aaron, who captained Guyana’s youth XI, who got me interested in cricket at the club level in the US, where I have been president of Atlantis Cricket Club – NY for the past nine years and now in my second year as president of the Eastern American Cricket Association.

My passion for the sport stems largely from seeing the angst on the faces of so many youngsters who were uprooted from their cricket-playing environments by parents whose only wish is to provide a better life for their children in the USA.

What drives me more than anything else is watching our youngsters don the red, white and blue of the USA. Hopefully they, along with a stable USACA will serve as the catalyst for the American-born cricketers to also excel at the sport.

DreamCricket: Your New York club, Atlantis, has an amazingly rich history. Its roster has included eminent folks like former Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Lester Bird and former West Indies Test captain Clive Lloyd. It also has some of cricket’s greatest among its honorary members, including Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Alvin Kallicharran, Lance Gibbs, Roger Harper, Curtly Ambrose, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Lawrence Rowe and recently Joel Garner. How involved are these gents with Atlantis?

John Aaron: The super cat Clive Lloyd never misses an Atlantis match when he’s in New York, while some of the other gentlemen are very supportive of the club, in different ways. Over the years, we have treasured the relationships developed by honoring those very deserving players.

My hope is that because of the geographic proximity of the Caribbean to the US, USACA can encourage players such as those honored by Atlantis, to help in the development of the sport in the US through innovative youth clinics.

DreamCricket: I have known you as an activist cricketer - someone that wants to do more than just play on weekends. Your career graph in USA cricket is inspiring. You were Secretary of Atlantis, and then became its President. Then you were elected President of the Eastern American Cricket Association in the New York Cricket Region. Then you became Regional Director of New York this year. You have already given so much of your time to USA cricket. Can you tell our readers why you want to run for Secretary of USACA?

John Aaron: It is a question many of my friends and immediate family often ask me, having heard so many disparaging things about USACA, litigations, suspensions and disenfranchisement.

Ironically, it is a question that even I have asked myself. The resounding answer is always embedded in my sincere belief, that I can make a difference. My late father taught me that if you want to change something, it is always better to do it from the inside, rather than from the outside.

DreamCricket: You just got elected the Regional Director for New York. Would you be resigning from that position if you were elected the Secretary of USACA?

John Aaron: I wish I could say no. Not because I want to hold on to so many cricket leadership positions, but because I love the energy that is generated by cricket in New York. However, I would have to resign my position as Regional Director, and it makes perfect sense, because of the demands of both offices.

If elected Secretary of USACA, I am confident that New York has so many talented individuals that our Regional Administration will remain intact, very strong, competent and competitive.

DreamCricket: Your resume includes Chairman of USACA League President’s Reconciliation Commission. What role did you play in the Commission? Why was this commission formed?

John Aaron: My role was a relatively easy one, because I had some very competent and passionate individuals onboard with me, such members as Leighton Greenidge from Southern Connecticut, John Boaden from Dallas, Mark Sood from Southern California and Rajesh Padhi from San Francisco.

The commission was formed following the second suspension of USACA by the ICC last year, for essentially poor governance, and out of a concern that if we did not get our house back in order quickly, we would lose the opportunity for our senior team to participate in Darwin, Australia and our Under-19 team in Canada, during 2007. The commission members felt that USACA could sit with the representative group of league presidents and find solutions to the growing impasse in cricket in the US, and before the then WICB president Ken Gordon intervened.

Unfortunately, USACA’s president Gladstone Dainty refused to engage in the sincere effort to find solutions, prior to the intervention of the WICB, after WC 2007 in the West Indies.

DreamCricket: One of the main reasons for ICC’s second suspension of USACA was that it failed to meet the agreed and subsequently extended deadlines for the adoption of its constitution and the holding of elections.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed commented then that, “The ICC recognizes that the USA has vast potential as a cricketing nation. But without a functioning administration that potential is likely to remain largely untapped.” Some have said that USACA was not to blame and ICC was on a witch-hunt.

You have spent a lot of time working with ICC/WICB appointed Independent Third Party Chris Dehring and USACA.

Can you share your thoughts from your vantage point? Obviously it was a tricky position - you had to progress the situation so that the constitution and governance could be improved. At the same time, there was a chance that USACA would see you as someone that was working against their own interests. Was it a thankless job?

John Aaron: I would not characterize it as a thankless job, because the culmination in many ways is the upcoming elections.

Was it stressful and frustrating? Yes, more so for those of us who felt we were fighting an honorable battle to reclaim cricket’s dignity in the US, while we sat across from an administration with what appeared to be a somewhat different agenda.

The ICC had no reason to be on a witch-hunt, if the US is perceived as a viable market for spreading the game.

Ironically, your question suggests that I may have been seen as working against the interests of USACA. President Dainty and some in his administration may have seen it that way, but at the end of the day, all I wanted was for cricket to emerge on top. Hopefully, I have been able to make some small contribution to that process, so far.

DreamCricket: How about the Constitution Review Committee that you were a member of? There are still some people out there that think that the newly ratified constitution is not very different from the one that was initially proposed back in 2006. But you have been very eloquent in your argument that what is needed is incremental change, and a foundation for future improvements. Do you believe that the constitution is now a dynamic one, which can be amended if the constituents want change?

John Aaron: There are several differences between the current constitution and the one initially drafted in 2006. Any constitution or other set of guidelines, rules and/or regulations tends to evolve over time. Even the constitution of the United States has had its share of amendments, when it was necessary.

I don’t believe time here would allow us to go into detail regarding the evolution of the current document, however, we now have a document with which we can work to help us forge ahead. As time will tell, the members of USACA will determine whether amendments need to be made to the constitution.

DreamCricket: How confident are you that ICC will lift its suspension after this election?

John Aaron: The ICC terms of reference for lifting the suspension require a recommendation from the WICB. Hopefully, at the conclusion of the upcoming elections, the current president of the WICB Dr. Julian Hunte, upon the recommendation of Independent Third Party Mr. Chris Dehring, will be comfortable enough to strongly recommend the ICC lift the suspension.

Lifting the suspension is only one part of the readmission of USACA into the international cricket arena. The other significant part is getting on the ICC’s cricket calendar for the next three years leading up to the 2011 Cricket World Cup. A very significant feature that affects USACA, and that is entirely in the hands of the members of the ICC.

DreamCricket: As a Secretary, what value do you bring to the New Inning team? Why is change necessary in this specific area?

John Aaron: I believe the entire administration of USACA needs to be changed. The Secretarial position is a crucial part of a new USACA, because the office of Secretary is pivotal in developing relationships both inside and outside of the United States. More importantly, we must seek to create a membership environment, where clubs and leagues will want to belong to USACA.

I believe I have the skill-sets necessary to create such an environment, whereby every cricket club in the US would be proud to be a member of the national organization.

DreamCricket: It certainly appears that some thought went into forming the New Inning team. A CFO is running for Treasurer, a writer with experience as Chairman of the Reconciliation Commission and Constitutional Review Committee is running for Secretary, and a Silicon Valley entrepreneur with a record of fundraising is running for President. The two VPs include one who is also an entrepreneur and the other is an administrator. And apparently by design, each is from a different region. Was this planned?

John Aaron: Interesting, isn’t it? But our team is in no way complete. Certainly, we have assembled a team that is inclusive. However, only five elected board members cannot manage USACA. We would serve primarily as the gatekeepers, the oversight governance group or the front office of the organization, so to speak. The success of USACA and the grass root development of cricket in the US will depend largely on a group beyond the five elected members of the USACA board.

The New Inning team has already started to compile a list of people with specific skill-sets to create a broad base management support group. We are looking to fill many roles in the blueprint, which we continue to develop for cricket in the US.

DreamCricket: Do you agree that transparency and openness are two areas where USACA has been lacking? How would your team be different? What are your priorities as Secretary of USACA?

John Aaron: A lack of transparency and openness are only two of the ills affecting USACA and cricket in this country. The New Inning team is in an advantageous position, because we have had a chance to see what does not work, and to focus on designing best-practices that we are sure will create an environment of trust and confidence – two of the pillars for developing any dynamic national organization.

As Secretary, my immediate role would be opening the lines of communication and helping the administration communicate its mission and vision for cricket in the US, as well as supporting the marketing efforts of the organization.

DreamCricket: Any comments on the other contestants for the post of Secretary? Paul DaSilva is the incumbent and he is running again. Sankar Renganathan is the other candidate. He is from a league in the Central East Region that is well known for being innovative. How do you see your chances of winning against such tough competition?

John Aaron: I feel my chances of being elected Secretary are very good, because the voters have had a chance to read how I can help USACA grow, so already my positions are transparent and widely communicated to the cricketing community.

Competition is always good, but in this case I am not sure how strong my competition is, because I have not heard from them or seen them articulate any of their positions on specific areas of the office. Having said that, I feel that all candidates, whether elected or not, have a role to play in the development of cricket in this country, going forward.

DreamCricket: So do you think your team will win? Why is it so important for the entire team to win as one?

John Aaron: I am fairly confident that if each of the thirty-five voting league presidents took the time to review and compare the New Inning’s “Bill of Rights” and Election Manifesto, with whatever platforms the incumbents and independents are running or not running on, would quickly see that ours is a well thought out blueprint aimed and inclusion and innovation.

To have the entire New Inning team seated on the board of USACA would be a tremendous advantage to cricket in this country, simply because we have met on several occasions, discussed, debated, drafted and formulated a plan of action for USACA and cricket in the US, so that very little time would be spent pondering what to do and getting acquainted with each other’s positions after March 29, 2008.

We owe it to cricket in the US to elect an established slate with the energy and chemistry, and ready to go from day one, after the election.

DreamCricket: Thanks John. Hope you will continue writing for DreamCricket after the election.

John Aaron: Time permitting I would love to continue writing for DreamCricket. I sincerely hope that DreamCricket remains a partner in our mission of helping develop cricket in the US.

“We must produce results for our membership.”

- Manaf Mohamed, Candidate for 2nd Vice President

Manaf Mohamed’s resume as a cricket administrator is phenomenal. He is well known in Florida cricket circles as an efficient organizer. He has founded a club and a league and has been involved at the regional and national levels in various capacities. Manaf is part of Ram Varadarajan’s team in this election and is running for 2nd VP. DreamCricket interviewed him to hear his plans for USA cricket and his views on the elections.

DreamCricket:Manaf, firstly, I must thank you on behalf of all of USA cricket for your dedicated service to the game in this country. As an administrator, you are so highly regarded, something that speaks volumes about your devotion to the game.

Manaf Mohamed: Thanks, Venu. I appreciate this opportunity.

DreamCricket: Tell me a little bit about your involvement in cricket. I guess this is a dumb question, but did you play a lot of cricket in your youth in Guyana? What brought you to America? Did you start playing as soon as you arrived on the East Coast?

Manaf Mohamed: I played the game up to my early teens. I wasn’t a good player but my friends were, so I continued going to the games even though it was just to be with my buddies. I soon found out that scoring, compiling the stats, taking out the drinks, packing and lugging the gear bag were all just as enjoyable as playing. I moved to America in 1973 for the same reasons as the many millions who came before and after. Better opportunities for education, career, and family development. I lived in New York for 15 years, but after moving to Florida in 1988, transportation, weather, and free time made it much easier to go to the parks and watch the game.

DreamCricket: You founded your club, Everest Cricket Club, which has its home ground at Brian Piccolo Park in 1989. You were part of the South Florida Cricket Association for a better part of the decade. Then you helped set up the Florida South East Cricket League in 1998. Can you walk us through why another league was set up?

Manaf Mohamed: The simple answer is that there were some extremely talented players in SFCA who were being denied the opportunity, for various reasons, to even participate in trial matches for selection on the SFCA League team. The League had a core group of players who were selected time and time again regardless of how they performed during the season. So I convinced a group of clubs to go our own way. The intention was that at least, these players would get some sort of national exposure and compete on an equal basis. It was left to me to do the paper work and organizing necessary to make FSCL a reality. I must say that even though we are competitors in the same market, FSCL and SFCA have very excellent relationships at all levels. On the field we go at each other for bragging rights, but off the field we work in a spirit of cooperation that has benefited both leagues. I sometimes wish our national cricket leaders can do the same.

DreamCricket: You were also among the catalysts for the formation of the United States Cricket Federation. What was the USCF? How did that come about? I hear that Kamran Khan was part of USCF too. Why was the USCF merged with USACA?

Manaf Mohamed: The Federation was created to fight the same fight that is being fought today. A group of concerned cricket administrators from across the country got together at Haverford College in Pennsylvania to discuss and perhaps, to lament over the state of cricket in the US at that time, which was, sad to say pretty much as it is today. No accountability, no transparency, lack of communication, no funding, no short-term goals, no long-term plans.It was agreed to form the Federation as an alternative to USACA and to go about seeking ICC recognition. Kamran Khan was appointed President, Michael Miller from California was the VP, Andy Coad (my apologies on the last name) from Staten Island was the Secretary, and I was the Treasurer.We did meet with Sir Clyde Walcott, who was heading the ICC at that time. If I can remember correctly, he did meet with both USACA and the Federation. However, it soon became apparent to me that the ICC was not interested in de-certifying USACA and recognizing the Federation. To me the message was: You guys need to work things out and put your house in order. The ICC meeting resulted in a series of meetings between the Federation and USACA and an agreement leading to a “merger,” so to speak.

DreamCricket: Tell us about some of your highlights/accomplishments as an administrator - at Everest, SFCA, FSCL and USCF.

Manaf Mohamed: As I look back, except for SFCA, I founded or co-founded the other three organizations.At SFCA, I am proud of the fact that as Treasurer, I never missed a financial report to the membership, never had a deficit, and at the GMs I was always present to answer all questions and concerns relative to the organization’s finances.Even though the USCF was short-lived, I believe it served its purpose in that it woke up cricket administrators around the country and got the ICC looking more closely at the way cricket was being administered in the USA.But I am most proud of FSCL. I single-handedly started FSCL with six clubs, today the membership is 16. FSCL have won the South East Regional Championships twice and have been runners-up twice, in the last four years. FSCL has a very dynamic Youth Development Program, it has organized and conducted numerous seminars and workshops for municipal employees and county leaders. Along with the SFCA, we have co-sponsored, the annual Lauderhill Night Cricket Tournament.I assisted the City of Miramar for almost two years on their new Regional Park. Today there are two lighted multi-purpose fields with regulation size cricket grounds.FSCL is the best kept secret in the country. We produce results for our membership, as we must do.

DreamCricket: Why are you running for USACA Second VP position? I mean you just got elected Secretary of USA South East Region. Do you think you can bring more value to your region as a member of the USACA Executive?

Manaf Mohamed: Interestingly enough, I had no intention of running for VP. I was appointed South East Regional Secretary and was so frustrated with the national administration I felt that at least I can assist in making the SE Region the best in the country.Then I met Ram and the rest of the New Inning team and soon realized that regional progress can only be achieved if national attitudes towards governance changes. So I accepted the invitation to join the team.

DreamCricket: What are your thoughts about Ram Varadarajan? Why did you join his slate?

Manaf Mohamed: Here was this successful businessman willing to take on the challenges of turning USACA around. His success and approach to marketing and fund-raising was a definite plus. But most of all I agree with his publicly stated belief in term limits.

DreamCricket: Do you think that this team has the experience and the ability that is needed to steer USACA forward? People have said he is not experienced in USA cricket matters even though he has done a wonderful job as the Chairman of the Tournament Committee for the Junior Nationals. How do you respond to these concerns?

Manaf Mohamed: Ram has put together a balanced team. Our team has over 40 years of experience in USA grassroots cricket - John Aaron, John Thickett, and I have been involved with grassroots cricket for a long time.Ram has only been involved in cricket administration for three years now, but it is widely acknowledged that he has brought a fresh and professional approach to cricket management in areas such as sponsorships, broadcasting, etc. Also, USACA needs a leader who is inclusive and responsive, not someone who polarizes others. Ram has those qualities and some of those qualities are already evident in how he formed the New Inning team, and how he communicated the team’s manifesto and conducted its campaign.There is a myth that to be a good cricket administrator one has to have played the game at a high level. If that was the case, then all cricket bodies the world over would be run today by international cricketers. USACA at this point in time does not need a successful cricketer. It needs a successful corporate leader.

DreamCricket: We certainly would agree with that. But what differentiates the New Inning approach from Dainty’s approach? The current team of incumbents is in the race.

Manaf Mohamed: I don’t know if you can call the incumbents a team. A team suggests equal billing and honest discussion of opinions.Ask yourself this question. Why should anyone belong to an organization from which they receive no tangible benefits and their opinions and views are constantly brushed aside only to be ultimately ignored? The easy answer has always been – For The Love of The Game. But for how long can one be quiet when the elephant is in the room, run for the penalty box at legal power plays, play second fiddle to deep pockets or watch silently as friends of friends are anointed despite proven incompetence.The New Inning team will make absolutely certain this status quo changes by implementing a completely different management technique. Our team pledges to solicit input from several experts on how best to develop the sport, collect input from the leagues about their needs and development ideas, communicate with all stakeholders involved in US Cricket, and provide incentives for tangible, measurable progress.

DreamCricket: I am sure that all of USA cricket appreciates what you just said. Coming to non-election matters, after retirement, you went back to school and obtained credentials in Early Childhood and Child Development. Do you think cricket can be brought in fully at the school level? Is it something that would be perceived as valuable to child development?

Manaf Mohamed: Any sport or game that allows a child to use and enhance their motor skills, while at the same time encouraging participation in a group activity will definitely aid in that child’s development. Every one knows that for cricket to gain any appreciable share of the American public’s attention it has to be brought into the schools. Every league in every region has some level of planning or implementation to do just this. Kudos to them all, but what’s missing is coordination from the national body.If elected, I would like to see the New Inning Team develop and make available to all, a primer on how to approach school administrators and present a case for introducing cricket to their schools.

DreamCricket: What is on the top of your agenda for USACA? What would you want to prioritize and where do you see your own experience as being valuable? Because the role of VP is not very well defined. And in the past, some of the VP’s were fairly inactive.

Manaf Mohamed: That’s true. There is no job description for the VPs. So it’s up to each VP to get involved, and frankly, the sheer magnitude of the job ahead requires that the President gets his VPs occupied and on the job immediately.There will be an awful lot of committee work to be done with regards to Youth Development, Women’s Cricket, Schools, Funding, Marketing, Umpires, Coaching, Competitions, International Relations, etc. etc. In no particular order, the list is endless.Now, this is where it becomes imperative to elect the entire New Inning team. If the President and the VPs are not on the same page, there is no way he can lead effectively. And knowing the track record of the current President, valuable time will be lost in one egotistical confrontation after the other.

DreamCricket: Thanks Manaf. And good luck with the election.

Manaf Mohamed: This election is perhaps one of the most definitive periods in American cricket history.A basic fundamental of a democratic community is the right of those belonging to that community to participate and be included in the decision-making process.In a very simple way, this is exactly what is so bothersome about the current managers of USACA. Their callous disregard for opposing viewpoints and their take-it, or leave-it attitude undoubtedly contributed to the disenchantment of cricketers and stakeholders nationally. Couple that with visible displays of insularity, it is no wonder USACA is looked upon with disdain at the international level.That’s why I urge all cricketers and stakeholders to participate in making this change become a reality by sharing your opinions and viewpoints with your Club, League and Regional Leaders.I also urge the League Presidents to listen to and include the wishes and desires of your constituency when deliberating on how to cast your vote. The New Inning team is the sum total of all of the parts of the team. We ask that you vote for the entire team. The synergy of a shared vision will allow us to hit the ground running after the elections.Thank you for offering me this opportunity to express my views. © 2008 Dreamcricket.com - Reproduced through the kind courtesy of DreamCricket.com © 2008 Dreamcricket.com - Reproduced through the kind courtesy of DreamCricket.com

John Thickett, Candidate for USACA Treasurer

Very simply I approach the administration of cricket as an entertainment business – one that is desperately in need of cash flow – the life blood of any business. You have players and spectators – the clients, and you need assets – grounds and equipment to create the entertainment service. To create more entertainment you need more people involved, and to create classic entertainment needs higher quality assets. However, as any business person will tell you, without cash flow nothing happens. USACA, I believe, does not have any real current cash flow.

My plan for USACA as Treasurer is quite simple. After assuring that our financial records are compliant with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and that our various tax filings and 501©3 charity status are current, I will be contacting the ICC and also several corporate sponsors, that our team has already identified, to get cash flowing back into US cricket to fund various programs.

The money will go to fund league, regional and national initiatives. A plan is under development by our team to allow regions and leagues to obtain funding (examples include regional tournaments, children’s cricket, turf wickets) on some form of matching basis. I realize time is of the essence for many regions and will move quickly to execute this plan if elected. Through the sharing of experiences and best-practices I will also encourage and support regional and league Treasurers to go out and raise their own money too.

By raising money and strategically pushing it out to local organizations, in a prudent manner, we will build our national cricket asset base – both the grounds to allow more entertainment but also hopefully the “studios” to produce some Hollywood and Bollywood classics too!

The team concept of the Ram Varadarajan group has been the key to the overwhelming outpouring of support for the unique group of candidates, who have all taken the 2008 USACA elections and the value of the power of the group of voters very seriously.

Varadarajan has stated in his team’s Election Manifesto that he (and his team) will serve at the will of the voters (the league presidents) and not the other way around. Clearly, he has already shown the respect for those cricket stakeholders who represent their respective constituencies.

This manner of governance has been lacking in recent USACA administrations, and has been the basis for distrust and the general sense of malaise shown by the USACA membersship towards an administration that has seen the ICC issue it with two suspension decrees, and denied the participation of a talented group of youngsters and seniors in international cricket.

As a group formed since the announcement of new USACA elections under the recently ratified constitution, the Ram Varadarajan team has been forging a chemical balance among themselves that has resulted in establishing trust for each other and a higher level of confidence by several league presidents - such a needy ingredient in true governance.

The carefully selected group of individuals, with diverse backgrounds, but a common purpose and passion - cricket, have harnessed their energy and enthusiasm by focusing beyond the election, to effect real change in the administration of cricket in this country. However, they have not lost sight of the fact that they must first be elected, by convincing the voters that they are best suited to lead the US back to respectability in the international cricketing community.

Being elected as a group will ensure that the next USACA administration will hit the ground running, and have no excuse for not being au fait with each others skill-sets. That’s why support for the group of candidates has been so strong. Several of the voters getting ready to cast their ballots on Saturday, March 29 recognize the advantages of a cohesive unit, and have begun to throw their weight behind the already established team, as the group best qualified to bring about change in the shortest period of time.

Thus, the concept of electing the Ram Varadarajan team has been gathering greater appeal than the independent candidates, whom if elected will require some time to get to know and trust each other, before making any serious attempt to move USACA forward. That is the advantage the Ram Varadarajan team has over the independents and incumbents, who ironically are not running as part of an established slate.

The team campaign concept though not new, is unlike anything ever seen in US cricket elections. It shows the effort made to forge a sense of inclusiveness and brainstorming before the fact.

With regard to those incumbents seeking reelection, it is very noticeable that they appear unwilling or unable to run under a single banner, which underlines the recent statements made by the current USACA president Gladstone Dainty, who stated that USACA under his watch was “burdened with mischievous elements” and was the victim of “friction from within.”

This election is where the rubber hits the road. Cricket in the US has suffered for far too long, to now elect a group of individuals who have not collectively expressed a vision for turning cricket around in this country, unlike the Ram Varadarajan team, who has openly shared their manifesto and “Bill of Rights” for all to see on this web site. One of the first signs of transparency and accountability by a team who has already held extensive meetings to create a plan for resurrecting USACA, so that like the phoenix, it can rise from the ashes and regain its rightful place among the other Associate member nations of the cricketing world.

The very prepared Ram Varadarajan team will be ready to hit the ground running on March 30, 2008, because it has already done its homework and are all on the same page – getting cricket in the US back on track, from day one.

A Message from Ram Varadarajan, Candidate for USACA President

(To hear Ram deliver this speech, go back to the Home Page of this site)

Hello, it is a pleasure to e-meet with you. Thank you for spending time with me and on this website.

I am Ram Varadarajan, candidate for President of USACA.

There can be little doubt that USACA of today is broken. We are living under the shame of an ICC suspension; our players – adults and kids – are suffering because they cannot participate in international events. Watching the under-19 World Cup in Malaysia was a painful reminder of the consequence

There is, however, cause for optimism. The spirit of cricket and the love of the game in America is alive and well.

I have travelled the length and breadth of the country and have seen the activity at the grass root level – at the club and league level cricket is alive and well. There is tremendous interest and passion not only for recreational adult cricket, but also youth cricket and increasingly women’s cricket.

However, this grass root effort needs to be nourished and supported. That is USACA’s role. That is where USACA of today has been a failure and needs urgent and significant fixing.

My candidature is all about finding a way forward. We must leave the politics of today behind; it has led us to despair and shame. The American spirit is about being the best at whatever one does. Cricket should be no exception. I promise to bring the highest quality of professionalism, inclusion, transparency and innovation to this sport in America.

Let me talk about the team that is joining me in this quest. I will start with myself. I am a cricket lover; I have always been one since my childhood. It is the love of this game that has propelled me to seek this office. I have not held any USACA office before. I have no baggage to carry, no quarter to pander to. I have been a dedicated volunteer for the sport in America. For the past two years, I was chairman of a tournament committee that helped organize and conduct a US National Youth Tournament for Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 kids. These were resounding successes because I was able to galvanize support from many quarters, including USACA, and get national participation. Last year, we even webcast the finals live all over the world; 3000 people watched it. My goal then and my dream now is simple: In eight years I want to enable the US to field an Under-19 team that can win the World Cup. I have demonstrated successful leadership, general management, professionalism and fund raising abilities throughout my career. My biography and indeed that of all of the other team members are on this website.

The rest of the team is also top-shelf. They are cricket enthusiasts first and foremost. Additionally, they have also demonstrated success and professionalism in their careers. They come from diverse backgrounds and geographies – John Aaron is from New York City, John Thickett is from Texas, Shahid Tahir is from Michigan, and Manaf Mohamed is from Florida, and me – I am from California. Such an inclusive executive management team has never before been seen at USACA.

My team and I have set out by putting our promises in writing: a cricket lover’s Bill of Rights. You will see it on this website. All our actions will be governed by these promises. They sound basic, and they are, but these have been absent from USACA for a long time. We need to restore these immediately. The right to transparency in all USACA decisions; the right to professional and innovative governance; the right to full and inclusive participation; the right to full GAAP accounting; the right to active and open communication.

The team and I have also laid out our vision and plans in an Election Manifesto. You will find innovation woven through all of the activities that we propose to do. Let me talk about a few of these: Fund raising. This is of utmost importance. USACA has constantly been broke. A financially strapped USACA can be nothing more than a well-wisher. We intend to reform fund raising at USACA. Of course, we will strive to get the maximum possible support from the ICC, but we should control our own destiny. Significant fund raising from sponsorships is one way. My team and I have significant experience with that. We will also build a platform to promote professional cricket, consistent, of course, with ICC guidelines, so that will become a revenue source as well. A little later, I will point out ways that we can get these funds back to the leagues and clubs.USACA will need enormous support in the months to come. So, we need to create numerous posts, maybe as much as 50 posts, to serve specific needs from planning tournaments, community relations, media relations, fund raising, university liaison and so on.

Let me use this opportunity to invite those of you that are motivated by our campaign and want to join this movement to change and upgrade USACA, to join us – you will find my e-mail address on this website – so please volunteer. We need you during the campaign and afterward as part of the administration. We welcome you on board. In the coming weeks, we will continue to communicate our vision in in-person meetings, telephone meetings, e-mails and through the website. Communication is a cornerstone for good governance. American cricket lovers need to make informed decisions. This openness and willingness to share and take feedback is unprecedented in USACA history.

It is very sad commentary when I have personally travelled and visited with more league presidents than all of the current USACA management combined. Under our tenure, the USACA website will become a vibrant window into all of cricket in America. Communication in USACA today is noticeable only by its absence.I also want to make a promise to the club and league presidents. USACA is not here to interfere in your matters. USACA’s role is to help foster and promote better cricket within and between clubs and leagues. Today, USACA is irrelevant to the leagues. I understand clearly that the USACA President is a servant of the leagues and not its boss. I will serve at the pleasure of the league presidents.

Once the funding is in, I intend to disperse that to all the leagues – to reward good governance and promote youth and women’s cricket. Infrastructure development and inter-league play is critical. For instance, if a league builds turf wickets, we could support them with a significant grant. If they play a match with a league in another region, they could earn another grant. If the league adopts 20 schools for youth and women’s cricket, they can get a bonus. And so on. Little things are also important. The new USACA will enable every club to get electronic scoring so that we can have true score cards that track players throughout the country.

Of course, some key appointments are important: national coaches, selectors, etc. We also need to attract and hire a top class CEO.Let me also say a word about youth and women’s programs. Women’s programs need grass roots level building. That’s for sure. It is natural that we start youth programs within the schools and youth academies. But we need to go beyond that. Cricket needs to be a recognized sport within school districts. Cricket is the only sport that does not have an active patronage with the Universities. There is almost no scholarship for Cricket in America. You can go to Cornell on a Lacrosse scholarship – but not cricket. We need to build the entire chain from schools to universities. We also need to start an “Inter-University Cup” tournament as an annual event. I know a stadium that would love to host such an event.

Of course, I am talking about the Broward County, Florida cricket ground. A visit to that stadium is therapeutic. It embodies the hope that cricket has a future in America – with the right support of a national organization. If I were the USACA president, I would be holding the upcoming General Assembly for this election at that stadium. I plan to do my best to help the County utilize the stadium, and make it a commercial success so that we can build many more stadiums across the USA.

I want to create and share best-practices, provide supporting documentation to help clubs and leagues secure grounds and stadiums across the country. In closing, let me remind all of us of the criticality of the choice that you have to make. We are at a precipice; but I see a path to the Promised Land – my team and I can lead us there. A wrong turn will, of course, lead us to abyss. The incumbent team and several other ex-USACA leaders have had their innings to show their skill and dedication. The poor results are here for all of us to see.

The time for change is upon us. I call upon all of you to work with your league presidents and vote for our new team — a new inning — a team that is representative of all of American cricket, a team that has demonstrated professionalism and innovation, a team that is capable of raising cricket to the next level, a team that is willing to put its promises and plans in writing, and above all, a team that is motivated to work for you and the love of cricket. Together we can bring glory to American cricket and preserve for our children and all American youngsters the joys and life skills that cricket built in all of us. The last several weeks have been very encouraging.

Our message of a new inning is resonating well across the country. We are delighted and humbled by the outpouring of support. We will continue our work hard to earn your trust and support through the election and beyond. That’s a promise you can bank on.

Thank you again for your time and interest.

In any general election where a group of individuals are expected to lead from the front, the chemistry of the group pre-election is an indication of the energy that will be used to drive the process post-election. Therefore, it is important to judge the content of the characters and the chemistry within the group of individuals, to determine some measure of the anticipated success.

The chemistry exhibited by the group of individuals led by Ram Varadarajan is indicative of the effort already put out in creating such a dynamic lead administrative team, that is expected to serve USACA and the cricketing community in the USA.

The Varadarajan group consisting of Shadid Tahir, Manaf Mohamed, John Aaron and John Thickett, along with presidential candidate Ram Varadarajan, has obviously done their homework, as is evident from their web site and the expectations for success outlined therein. Clearly, the group has looked carefully at the mistakes made by the current administration of USACA and determined that they would not be caught making the same errors - namely a lack of vision, accountability, transparency and the need to communicate with the membership of USACA.

Ironically, since the group launched its web site www.newinning.com, signalling a new era for cricket and cricketers in the USA, the incumbent administration has raced to post stories to the normally dormant national organization’s web site, beyond the much-needed election information driven by the Independent Third Party Chris Dehring. It is amazing what electorial competition can create. Now, if only the site’s manager can update the 2005 Picture of the Week to something more relevant.

Electing a group of individuals to be the principal administrators needed to drive USACA is very important, more so when that group has already begun the groundwork necessary to lift the organization and the spirit of the players, clubs, leagues and regions, and regain the respect of the international cricketing community.

The selection of the five individuals was obviously done with some very careful consideration, as the strengths of each of the five men appear to complement each other, without the usual ego-tripping and agenda-pushing, that has become the hallmark of the incumbent USACA. Those exercising their right to represent their member clubs through their votes, would be well-advised to seek the installation of the leading team of candidates who have already set the bar for excellence at such a high level; enough to motivate the incumbents to strive to showcase some minimal effort via the organization’s web site, albeit too little too late.

Electing the Ram Varadarajan slate in its entirety will do cricket and the development of the sport in the US a tremendous amount of good, as the five individuals seek to bring about a new inning of dynamic leadership, transparency, accountability, and are fully cognizant that they are merely administrators of the sport and not rulers. The group has already indicated their willingness to build a cadre of responsible individuals capable of bringing to USACA, the kind of performance levels needed to be competitive in the international cricket arena. That extended administrative group of seasoned veterans qualified in their own right, will serve as the support mechanism for the development of the sport in conjunction with the regional administrations, already in place. It’s clearly an opportunity for increased chemistry among all cricket stakeholders in the USA.

I sincerely urge those with the right to vote, to vote for the Varadarajan team, for a better USACA, determined to lift the national organization from the doldrums of ridicule and despair.

By John L. Aaron

The following article in-part first appeared in the media January 2008.

The United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) is the national cricket organization of the United States and the only participating link with the international cricketing community, through the ICC. Suffice it to say that nothing gets stamped USA without the express written consent of USACA and/or the ICC. Therein lies the need for a more dynamic focus at the domestic level, and through a national organization that properly represents the interests of its members, at the ICC level.

It has been more than a year since USACA was suspended from international competition and funding by the ICC, for the second time within the past three years; a clear indication that something is broken - communication, proper governance, true accountability, transparency, credibility, you name it. Some may even argue all of the above.

Following the suspension last year, ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said: “It is especially disappointing that the USA players have had to be penalized in this way for matters that are largely beyond their control.”

A national organization must represent the interests of the majority of its members, more so, when that representation is linked to an international organization that has the last say on the participation of the national organization’s members in the international arena.

The current USACA administration has failed to demonstrate an ability to represent itself in the international forum, by its own failure to represent the interests of its members domestically, and in so doing lost the majority support of its membership, mainly through its lack of transparency and true governance.

Cricket in the United States has hit rock bottom, with the ICC’s suspension of playing rights and finance to USACA. As a result, the morale of the players is matched only by the general malaise of the clubs, leagues and regions they represent. The lethargic nature of those who seek to be represented by USACA is a direct result of the organization’s failure to articulate its vision, while its governance is shrouded in mystery and secrecy.

Since a national organization must first and foremost represent the interests of those it governs, it is important that it does so in an open and transparent manner. USACA has failed in this regard. On the contrary, it has demonstrated a blatant disregard for true governance and has failed to address some core issues raised by many of its stakeholders. Though these charges are not new, it is necessary to note them, because, if we fail to acknowledge our past, we are doomed to repeat it.

It has been said that stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Cricket in the USA has been managed the same way for some time now, with no innovative approaches attempted by the USACA administration. The current situation has existed for far too long. The time to effect change is now.

At the behest of the ICC and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), along with the nudging of the League President’s Reconciliation Commission, an effort was made to correct the wrongs that stood in the way of USACA being readmitted to the international cricket community. Out of that intervention was born a document embraced by a margin of affirmative votes that was less than that rendered at the beginning of 2007, when an attempt was made to ratify a constitution without due process and schedule.

I do not believe it was a reflection on the content of the document so much, as it was a reflection of the general frustration and lethargy of those exercising, or refusing to exercise their franchise. Nonetheless, the current document was ratified under the guidance and astute leadership of an Independent Third Party - Chris Dehring, representing the WICB and by extension the ICC.

Such intervention should not have been necessary, were it not for the stubbornness of the current USACA administration and the public outcry in some quarters. An outcry though not reflective of proper protocol, begged the question - “Was USACA being governed properly?” The ICC answered that question with another suspension and the withholding of funding, until the WICB recommends that such actions be reversed. “The suspension will stand until such time as the West Indies Cricket Board recommends and the Executive Board (ICC) agrees it should be lifted,” noted an ICC statement at the time.

Now that a constitutional document has been ratified, members must look to it as the beginning of new hope. However, such new hope cannot emerge from the bosoms of the incumbents, because they have failed to cradle and protect the development process of US cricket, by throwing the baby out with the bath water.

Lost opportunity, lost confidence, lost interest. USACA now, can only survive under the new constitution, with new and dynamic leadership, willing to take USACA in a different, but positive direction. Such new leadership has emerged with the formation of a slate of individuals led by a successful businessman Ram Varadarajan, with no strings attached to previous or current USACA executives. This is exactly what cricket in the US needs at this time – a fresh face, a new look, dynamic energy, and a team that epitomizes true governance.

Though cricket in the United States is generally regarded as a recreational activity, with the majority of clubs getting together on weekends, to participate in a sport that for the most part, is linked to the players’ cultural heritage, it can be made into a viable and more productive pastime.

The survival of cricket in the United States is largely dependent upon the generosity of some community donors who financially “prop up” the sport in an ad hoc manner. Organized cricket is dying for dynamic leadership that would provide platforms for those players within the appropriate age ranges, to excel at the national and international levels. However, such advancement will not take place without the support of the players, clubs, leagues and regions.

This vital support can only be derived from the sale of a vision for cricket in this country, through a development program articulated by USACA, and “sold” to the players, clubs, leagues, regions and potential sponsors. Such a covenant must be based on the reality of the current structure of cricket in the USA, and a program that recognizes those clubs with an express interest in being a part of an energetic national organization.

The Varadarajan group of individuals has already crafted a vision for the further development of cricket in this country, but that vision will need the support of all parties interested in lifting the spirits of USACA and its members to another level. Therefore, I sincerely urge you to throw your support behind the articulate group of individuals, by casting a vote for Change and New Leadership, not tainted by previous administrations and individuals with personal agendas.

Current trends suggest that not too many of the estimated 600 plus clubs in the United States have any genuine interest in what USACA can do for them, and even less, what they can do for USACA.

Simply stated, USACA needs the clubs and their membership alliances, more than the clubs appear to need USACA. How then does one create a mutual trough, from which both parties can benefit? Only through the creation of a new and dynamic direction, can USACA reintroduce member clubs and players to the national organization and the benefits of belonging to USACA. Such a new direction must be based on mutual respect, clear communication, transparent operations, true governance and the development of an organization by the members, and for the members. Those characteristics may be found in the New Team assembled and ready to launch USACA back into orbit.

To say that accurate and timely communication from USACA is practically non-existent under normal circumstances, is putting it mildly.

If USACA’s web site is to be recognized as the watering hole of information in a new-age electronic environment, then it must reflect such a trend. It must become the meeting place for the dissemination of information, exchange of ideas, exposure to a larger community, and in a nutshell be the Village Bulletin Board.

A vibrant web site can be effectively used as the crossroads of the most expeditious forms of communication. The pictionary use of the medium and its statistical portals can be the glue that binds those who surf within its walls, creating an electronic environment for camaraderie and a sense of pride.

Membership in an organization is usually accompanied by some benefits. What benefit does the existing USACA membership derive from belonging to the national organization? If there are any, it’s not properly communicated to the members. The ICC suspended USACA almost one year ago, and to date, the current USACA leadership has not issued one statement; at least seeking to reassure the organization’s membership that everything was being done to have the suspension lifted. To put it bluntly, the arrogance and disdain with which the organization treats its members left much to be desired.

At the time of last year’s suspension, Speed noted that, “The ICC hopes this measure will serve to focus minds within the cricketing circles in the USA, that sense will prevail and that all those with the good of the game at heart will come together and take control of this unfortunate situation.”

That was the precursor to the formation of the League President’s Reconciliation Commission. However, when that group sought to encourage USACA to reconcile any differences within the organization’s membership and leadership ranks, the group was labeled as dissidents and factionalists. And those were the decent condescending terms used in public. Behind closed doors, the words and names used to describe those seeking to change USACA’s behavior cannot be repeated here. Such actions sent a message of fear rather than one seeking to communicate the positive. Further, USACA sought to send such negative messages to the very membership it is purported to serve.

Much of what the current USACA administration does appears to be done behind closed doors, and in a clandestine manner. Alas, such behavior has undermined the confidence of even those who still believe in Santa Claus and USACA.

Why a national organization that claims to represent such a vast and diverse group not communicate its plan of action in an open and transparent manner, is beyond common sense.

With transparency comes confidence, with confidence comes support, and with support comes growth. Three things USACA badly needed to convince the ICC and other affiliates that it was ready to lead from the front. What USACA needs to restore the confidence of the few believers still left, and earn the respect of those who still dare to dream, is a sign that says “Under New Management.” A new management comprising individuals with a passion to do the right thing for the people USACA represents - its members. Those members have been subjected to so many wrongs during the reign of the current administration, that I am sure they would welcome a new and dynamic leadership with fresh ideas, zeal, commitment, passion and a willingness to be honest with itself and its members.

A new USACA administration should reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the organization’s membership, as well as the vast geographical nature of the various regions of the organization. It appears that the foregoing characteristics may be found in the team led by Ram Varadarajan – a team that reflects the diverse ethnic, cultural, and geographical nature of cricketers and this vast country.

The new constitution calls for a hired CEO, for whom funding must be realized to keep him/her employed. However, beyond the role of the CEO, the organization needs an energetic individual as its president, with demonstrated leadership abilities, excellent interpersonal skills, communications savvy, business acumen, and self-honest enough to be willing to surround himself with equally smart, honest and committed people. That individual can be found in Ram Varadarajan, a true hands-on manager.

It is no secret that in order for cricket to be successful in these United States, funds must be realized to create development opportunities at the grassroots level. USACA therefore must be perceived as a business with a mission, clear vision, and plan to effectively realize such ambitious development goals.

The next likely president of USACA Ram Varadarajan brings a different approach to the cricketing community. His resume encompasses the business acumen that drives corporate America, as well as an understanding of the technology that helps to drive the economy. USACA must rise to the level of competency necessary to win friends, influence people, and encourage investors, while rebuilding a membership base that has given up long before reaching the finish line.

The ideal candidate for the leadership role of USACA can be found in Ram Varadarajan. He has a proven business track record as CEO of Arcot, Inc., that is clearly defined in today’s terms. He is an individual who willingly continues to traverse this vast country, meeting and listening to the needs of the members within the various regions. He is an individual who is humble and smart enough to understand that he will serve at the will of the members, and willing enough to admit any mistakes he is likely to make, while promising to make a concerted effort to correct them.

This is the end of the road for the existing administration. Now is the time for all of the incumbents to step aside, including those who albeit are still faithful to the game and the members, for they too have unfortunately been tainted. The USACA desperately needs to hang out a new shingle that says “Under New Dynamic Management,” if it is to encourage greater participation of its members in the development of the sport here in the USA, and to be once again recognized in the international cricket community.

There is no greater opportunity than now, for all of the cricket stakeholders, including those who unfortunately find themselves on the wrong side of the track, to declare it a new day, a day full of new opportunities, optimism, passion and a brighter future for cricket in these United States of America, and under a new and dynamic management team led by Ram Varadarajan. Support the dynamic group of individuals led by Ram Varadarajan.

Vote for Real Change! Vote for a New Beginning! Vote for a New Inning of Hope! Vote for a New and Dynamic USACA!

The past several years have seen a surfeit of organizational issues and controversies arise at USACA. One of the consequences of the litigations and ICC suspension has been a loss of confidence. With new national elections you have the opportunity to elect an experienced team of brand new faces to lead USACA – a break with the past and a team you can have confidence in! Many clubs, leagues and regions feel USACA is irrelevant to them because it has not historically done much, if anything, for them. We understand this concern and believe we can transform USACA into a relevant and value-adding national organization for cricket.

The status quo must change. We as US cricket lovers have decided to offer some of our skills, dedication, entrepreneurship, and transparency which are hallmarks of governance in any US institution.

Goals will be set – see our sections called “Our Vision” for USA Cricket and “Election Manifesto.” As Americans we want to be the best at everything that we do. Cricket is no exception. We need to invest in improving facilities, attracting and developing youth and women to the sport and a myriad of other issues.

Please join us is bringing sweeping change to management of cricket in the US. Let us leave the past behind and work together for a brighter future for US cricket!