Cricket can make us better citizens

I am proud to be an avid fan and player of the beautiful game called cricket, which is played with a bat, ball and three stumps called wickets. Many Americans might have associated the name with five-day matches that sometimes end with no result, or the several fielding positions that are complicated for many to memorize. But one nickname we give to cricket is that it is a gentleman's game.

Now, I'm aware that there have been several moments over the course of cricket history where this has not lived up to be the case, and any actions against the spirit of the game should be rightly called out. But I still believe that cricket is a sport that can potentially help us Americans be more civil with one another. The level of discipline the game teaches you, even when things don't go your way, the perseverance both on and off the field and much more have plenty for us to learn from.

At a time when many are often unhappy in this country, and with political divisions that are already extremely problematic, we must all learn the values of basic human decency in order for us to build a better country for all. Besides, what's not to like about having fun, getting fresh air, and learning how to work as a team? The beautiful game of cricket and the sports crazy people in the United States can be a terrific match, so let's make it happen.

Jay Deshpande

Buffalo Grove