Cricket comes to Times Square on India’s I-Day

The ceremony featured the hoisting of both the Indian and American flags against Times Square’s digital backdrop.

Cricmax Connect at Times Square / Rohit Korat

Times Square witnessed a landmark moment on Aug. 16 as a cricket match was played at the iconic venue for the first time to mark India’s 79th Independence Day.

The limited-overs game, organized by Cricmax Connect, introduced India’s most-followed sport to the center of New York City, adding a historic dimension to the annual celebrations.

People playing cricket / Rohit Korat

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The sporting event followed the ceremonial hoisting of the Indian tricolor and the American flag, accompanied by the national anthems of both countries. Raising the flags, India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan said the day symbolized “the global rise of India, the rise of the Indian-US Diaspora, and the strengthening US-India partnership.”

Ceremonial hoisting of the Indian tricolor and the American flag / Rohit Korat

Among those present were Indian Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu and Indian actor Vijay Deverakonda. Sandhu, who serves on the Standing Committee on External Affairs, said he was “overwhelmed” by the celebration and called it an “immense joy” to witness the Indian flag at Times Square. Deverakonda paid tribute to freedom fighters, thanking “all those who strived for Indian freedom,” and described the occasion as a “surreal feeling.”

Guests at the event / Rohit Korat

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), which organized the gathering, credited the Consulate General of India and local authorities for their support. FIA chairman Ankur Vaidya thanked the consulate for its cooperation, while FIA president Saurin Parikh acknowledged the role of the Office of the Mayor of New York City and the Times Square Alliance in enabling the event.

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