New York City (New York) [US], August 22: On Sunday, August 17, 2025, Cricmax Connect took part in the Madison Avenue India Day Parade, bringing youth cricket to one of the largest celebrations of Indian heritage in the United States. The day’s programme featured live cricket demonstrations, team showcases, and storytelling sessions that highlighted the journeys of young athletes, connecting sport with community pride.

As Float No. 10 in the parade, Cricmax Connect’s contingent carried players, youth ambassadors, and special guests. The float engaged crowds along the parade route with vibrant performances and community interaction. Cricket activities continued on Park Avenue after the parade, allowing families and children to experience the sport firsthand in a festive, community-driven setting.

The day concluded with a Gala Dinner at Cipriani, where USA national cricket team players Smit Patel and Saiteja Mukkamalla joined athletes, dignitaries, community leaders – Mayor of New York City Eric Adams, and special guests Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda to celebrate the spirit of unity and cultural pride. “Being part of an event like this is about more than just the sport,” said Vinay Bhimjiani, Founder and CEO of Cricmax Connect. “It’s about connection, representation, and giving the next generation a place on a stage that celebrates who they are and where they come from. Seeing young players carry the spirit of cricket into a celebration of our shared heritage was a powerful reminder of how sport can unite communities.”

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) underscored the importance of youth participation in this year’s event, noting how the presence of emerging cricket talent alongside celebrated cultural icons resonated deeply with the crowd. “The India Day Parade is a platform for honouring our traditions while showcasing the energy and promise of the future,” said Ankur Vaidya, Chairman of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), “Having young cricketers and renowned figures like Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda together for India Day celebration brought a new vibrancy to the celebrations and inspired countless children in the crowd.”

The August 17 programme marked the conclusion of Cricmax Connect’s Independence Week celebrations in New York City, which earlier included flag hoistings at the Consulate General and Times Square, as well as the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building.

New Delhi [India]/ USA, August 11: In a unique convergence of sport, culture, and shared vision, Cricmax Connect, the community-driven cricket movement founded by Indian entrepreneurs in the U.S., marked a symbolic milestone by engaging with U.S. Senator Cory Booker at a private gathering in New Jersey.

The interaction, led by Cricmax Connect founder Vinay Bhimjiani, was part of a high-profile gathering bringing together influential voices from U.S. politics and South Asian-led innovation. While the evening primarily supported Senator Booker’s leadership initiatives, it sparked a spirited exchange on the evolving role of cricket in American life, especially within the growing Indian diaspora and the next generation of multicultural youth.

A key highlight from the event was Senator Booker receiving a custom Cricmax jersey with the number “25:05”, a tribute to his historic 25-hour, 5-minute Senate floor speech, a gesture honouring his endurance, advocacy, and progressive leadership. The Senator also signed a cricket bat and engaged in a discussion about cricket’s rising popularity in New Jersey, home to a thriving South Asian community.

“Cricket is more than a sport; it’s a cultural heartbeat for millions,” said Vinay Bhimjiani, Founder & CEO of Cricmax Connect. “For us at Cricmax Connect, it’s about using cricket as a bridge to create inclusive spaces for youth, celebrate diaspora identity, and reimagine how the sport can thrive in America. Meeting with Senator Booker, a leader who embodies inclusion and resilience, is a powerful signal that the American narrative is ready to embrace cricket in a bigger way. We hope this conversation becomes a stepping stone for deeper collaborations, especially in community development and education through sport.”

The Cricmax Connect team shared their vision to expand cricket chapters across New Jersey, modeled on their successful community format in New Jersey and Los Angeles. The interaction signals the beginning of broader conversations around sport as soft power, with cricket offering a new lens for cross-cultural dialogue between India and the U.S.

This engagement marks a step forward in positioning cricket as a meaningful soft power and community-building tool in America, with Indian-origin entrepreneurs leading the charge.