A Legacy Forged in Passion and Bound by Cricket.

Cricket is more than just a sport—it's a shared heartbeat for communities across continents. For Spokane's growing Indian diaspora and broader international community, it has become a bridge between cultures, a weekend ritual, and a celebration of heritage. Whether played on neighborhood pitches or in professional leagues, cricket fosters camaraderie, connection, and collective joy.

In the spirit of that passion, what began as a casual gathering and heartfelt conversation at the apartment of a young couple expecting their first child that Fall led to the birth of the Spokane Cricket Club (SPCC) in the Spring of 2009. Behind this movement were visionaries who weren't just players, but community builders.

On March 12, 2009, an Article of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State to register SPCC as a social cub by then Chairman Ravi Mangipudi, and Directors Sankar Jayaraman and Rupali Joshi (myself). On May 5, 2009, the mission was formalized with a constitution and a core leadership team dedicated to establishing a lasting cricket culture in Spokane:

• President: Ravi Mangipudi

• Vice President: Sankar Jayaraman

• Treasurer: Kishore Gollakota

• Secretary: Ritesh Kale

• Captain: Hrishikesh Joshi

Together, they built more than a club—they laid the foundation for a legacy that still thrives today!

At the heart of SPCC's mission was a dream: to bring cricket to the Inland Northwest and make it accessible to all. That dream found its team in the Spokane Spartans, who proudly represent Spokane in the Northwest Cricket League (NWCL). Competing across the spring and summer, they've played with both grit and grace, earning recognition within the broader Pacific Northwest cricket scene.

One of SPCC's proudest milestones came with the support of Spokane Parks and Recreation, leading to the creation of a dedicated cricket pitch at Underhill Playfield. It stands today as one of the premier cricketing surfaces in the region—a testament to perseverance, community collaboration, and love for the game.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/4862f2_99f9fe7d3c0e45a7bd32ee2357d22c94/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

What makes SPCC exceptional isn't just the matches won or pitches built—it's the people. Players have hailed from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Australia, the West Indies, South Africa, and England, uniting on the field through a common passion. In doing so, SPCC has grown beyond a sports club into a social and cultural hub—a place where lifelong friendships are formed and cultural ties are celebrated.

SPCC logo design by Ram Yadlapalli 

From seasoned athletes to curious youngsters picking up a bat for the first time, SPCC welcomes all. Its inclusive approach ensures the legacy of cricket in Spokane continues to inspire future generations—not just as a sport, but as a powerful reminder of what a community can build when united by purpose and play.

Post-COVID, Rupali took on a volunteering task of building a digital presence to strengthen community outreach and reconnect players with the sport many grew up loving. During the 2022 season, she designed and launched the official SPCC website, giving Spokane cricket a new platform to grow. As we document the legacy of Spokane’s Indian and multicultural contributions, SPCC stands proudly as a symbol of vision, inclusion, and enduring love for cricket. Here's to those who started it—and to those who carry the torch forward, especially the Senior Spartans - Rishi Joshi, Krishna Jayaraman, Sankar Piramanayagam who remain committed to guiding the next generation of Spokane Spartans.