Smart Choice downs Somerset In A Historic Niagara Cricket & Bollywood Festival
Smart Choice downed Somerset Cricket Club to cap off an improbable victory at the 2014 Niagara Cricket & Bollywood Festival. Houston-based Smart Choice’s campaign got off to a slow start when they were downed in the first game, but rebounded to win each of their following games and claim the top purse of $20,000.
Smart Choice fielded a shotgun roster for the event blending their core team members with some of the top Canadian players to help adjust for uniquely Canadian weather and playing conditions.
“This is a huge win for us.” Said Smart Choice captain Shahid Malik about their first title outside of the US. “Winning such a prestigious event at such an immaculate facility in cooler conditions then what we are used to in Houston is a great feeling. The organizing committee, sponsors, fans and volunteers made us feel at home and everything about this event was first-class.”
“Smart Choice showed why they are one of the top cricket clubs in North America.” Said Mahammad Qureshi, President of Cricket Council USA. “Adding the Niagara Cricket Festival to their trophy case is a testament to their championship resolve.”
The festival was a resounding success. Close to 1000 people went to the grounds during the event from as far as India and as close as Niagara. Close to 200,000 people joined the conversation about the event online through the Festival websites, social media outlets, pre-event radio interviews, TV shows and live streaming of all main event games.
“The Niagara Cricket Festival thanks all fans, volunteers, sponsors, athletes and entertainers for making this event such a hit in just our second year. “ Said Tan Qureshi, Director of Marketing for the Niagara Cricket Festival. “We had fans flock from all corners of the world for the event and today begins day 1 of 2015 planning and we intend to continue the upward trend next year. We’re excited to run such a huge event for the South Asian community right at home in NIagara”
Brampton’s JusReign, one of Canada’s top up and coming South Asian comedians, served as the concert MC that included performances from Broken Dance Group – the top rated Bollywood dance group in Canada. The concert also featured live performances from Teji Sandhu, Happy Armaan, Rehmat, The Avengers Group and Prag Rey.