By Sham Ali
(Celebrating 46th Anniversary): – The 2025 season is ending with teams weighing all the scenarios that may get them a spot in the playoffs, and hopefully a championship (the simple scenario is, you must win your matches). But a championship in this day and age has lost its meaning since loyalty to a team is short-lived, and a championship has a different value to different players as they explore their options depending on the size of the purse, and once the price is right, you can keep your championship trophy.
Cosmos completed their last scheduled match against Empire in the New York National Cricket League 30 overs competition last Sunday at Randalls Island, and while there is a hesitation to make any reference to the Randalls Island pitch conditions given the outcome of the match, it must be said that that pitch is the most deplorable pitch in the area period.
To have teams subscribe to such substandard conditions is a clear indicator that the authorities have parked all principles and good sense at door before decisions are made. The pitch has some type of artificial turf on it that is damaged throughout the length of the pitch with lumps of grass roots growing through the damaged areas, all hidden in ‘clear site’ by a matting, so much so, that only one end is considered ‘good enough’ to be used; a choice between two evils. That Randalls Island pitch is a graveyard disguised under matting.
The match for all that it is worth was academic as Cosmos standings on the points table were mathematically determined because of forfeiture by five teams (teams that dropped out in the last two rounds of the competition). They do so with impunity, no penalty imposed. Their standings on the points table should have been nullified with additional fines imposed, but given the current state of ‘organizational acumen’, this argument like others will be yesterday’s story, more so, it will be viewed in some circles with the usual raw inventiveness that has become a norm in this cricket age.
Nevertheless, cricket must be played, and Cosmos did just that to complete the schedule. Despite narrowly missing a spot in the playoffs, again, where some teams sneaked ahead because of forfeiture by other teams; the usual story of teams these days Cosmos kept forging ahead. They were led by Devindra Balgobin who took his responsibilities quite seriously and rallied his team well through an unfortunate period early in the season.
As captain of Cosmos in his first season, Balgobin led his team with purpose and discipline. He must be very satisfied that his players gave him their full support, played all their matches, and competed to the end. Despite a tame end to the competition, there are some outstanding performances by Cosmos players in the league. Cosmos is the only team to have their players among the top ranks in batting, bowling, and fielding departments. Ghanam Tariq is among the top five in runs. Ryan Ganesh is on top of the bowling chart and Baveshwar Utam is on the list for most catches, a particularly good sign for Cosmos youngsters.
In this match though, Doneshwar Dayanand, the man who is always on a bathroom run whenever it is his turn to bat, captured the highlights, and outshone his teammates, Ryan Ganesh, Devin Persaud, Anthony Rambaran, Alvin Gobin, and Baveshwar Utam. He saved his best for the last match, and played his best inning so far, solid in defense holding his pose for the camera to catch the moment, movement, and maker. He unleashed two dismissive pulls through square-leg, one of which came off the sweet spot and raced to the boundary. Watch out fellas, there is a new sheriff in town!!!
Anthony Rambaran and Utam had their say earlier as they were excellent in the field, unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the rest of the boys in this match, who grassed a small total of nine catches on this day. Conversely, Cosmos boys gave a good account of themselves throughout the season that included six victories in succession. They were doing well and played with great tenacity throughout, albeit they may take little comfort in that two of the teams that were blown away in those victories found a spot in the playoffs.
Umpire Narine (Capo) officiate an excellent match, and as usual, he is quite engaging from beginning to end. It was interesting to hear him express his admiration for Cosmos that their senior players were willing to step aside and give their youths a chance to play and learn the game. That has been the standout quality of Cosmos over the years, and this Cosmos team never missed the opportunity to give an opportunity to their younger players.
Scores in the match. Empire 255 for 7 in 30 overs. Cosmos 117 all out.
Aug. 22 – Cosmos Masters v Crusaders at Vancourtland Park.
Aug. 23 – Cosmos Youths v Staten Island at Walker Park.
Nov. 8 – Cosmos 46th Annual Presentation, Dinner & Dance at Liberty Palace Banquet Hall.
