Despite crickets inclusion in a recent Esquire fashion spread of obscure sports, only soccer is played more widely, and test matches take on all the geopolitical baggage of FIFA World Cup games. Matters may not be that acrimonious at the MAQ 20 tournament this Memorial Day weekend. Among the four All Star teams Pakistan, Canada, the West Indies, and the catch-all World there just isnt the rancor of, say, the Pakistan-India matches that serve as proxies for nuclear skirmishes. Still, the melting pot talent pool will make for a healthy backyard cultural exchange; likewise, stick around for Cricket Nights to Remember, an eclectic musical lineup headlined by Ky-mani Marley (Bobs boy), Michelle Riu, Marcia Griffiths and Alison Hinds. Matches begin early on Friday (1 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m.) and run until about midnight; on Sunday, the final two matches will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the concert, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Before 5 p.m. that day, admission to the matches and concert costs $10, but $20 after 5. Tickets are available at the gates of Central Broward Regional Park (3700 NW 11th Pl., Lauderhill), or in advance from www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 954-523-3309. For more details, check out www.cricketcouncilusa.com.
Fri., May 23, 2008