Lakeville-Led Effort to Make Cricket a New Sanctioned Minnesota High School Sport
Video provided to Limitless Media News by Surya Ganesan.
Published: April 15, 2026.
MINNESOTA - A bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate to make cricket an officially sanctioned high school sport in Minnesota is gaining traction at the State Capitol, with support from lawmakers and growing community interest.
Proposal Would Require Statewide Sanctioning of Cricket
Senate File 3339, introduced by Zach Duckworth, would require the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) to add cricket as an official interscholastic sport.
The bill is co-sponsored by Steve A. Cwodzinski and Bonnie S. Westlin.
Under the proposal, the League would be required to:
Establish cricket as a sanctioned activity
Determine a season (preferably spring)
Create rules and participation structures
Launch pilot programs before full implementation
Committee Hearing Frames Bill as “Starting a Conversation”
During a March 9, 2026, hearing before the Senate Education Policy Committee, Senator Duckworth described the bill as an initial step toward broader discussion.
“This is to start a conversation regarding the Minnesota State High School League and the sport of cricket, giving it some consideration,” Duckworth told committee members.
The bill was later laid over for possible inclusion in a larger omnibus education bill.
Testimony Highlights Rapid Growth of Cricket in Minnesota
Lakeville resident Surya Ganesan testified in support of the bill, emphasizing the sport’s growing popularity locally and globally.
“Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world… and continues to grow rapidly in the United States,” Ganesan said.
He noted that cricket is set to return to the Olympics in 2028, a development expected to further accelerate interest nationwide.
According to testimony:
Minnesota has more than 3,000 active cricket players
Nearly 10,000 families are connected to the sport
Community leagues and tournaments are active across cities, including Lakeville and other metro areas
Ganesan also pointed to organizations like the Minnesota Tennis Ball Cricket Association, which help organize tournaments and expand participation statewide.
Beyond competition, he emphasized broader benefits:
“Sports like cricket help young people develop focus, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and resilience… while also bringing communities together.”
High School League Raises Concerns About Process
While not opposing cricket itself, the Minnesota State High School League expressed concerns about how the bill would require the sport to be added. A League representative, Roger Aronson - Counsel Lobbyist, explained that MSHSL already has a structured pathway for adding new sports through its “emerging sports” process.
Under that system:
At least 20 schools must petition to add a sport
The sport enters a probationary phase
Participation grows before full state tournament sanctioning
“We would ask not to do this particular model… and let it go through the regular process that we have,” the League representative told lawmakers.
The League noted that similar processes have been used recently, including for boys’ volleyball, and are designed to ensure sufficient interest and sustainability.
Multi-Year Rollout Already Outlined in Bill
Despite those concerns, the legislation itself includes a phased implementation plan:
2025–2026: Pilot programs in at least three schools
2026–2027: Expansion and rule development
By 2027–2028: Full statewide sanctioned season
Part of a Broader Trend in High School Sports
Supporters say Minnesota has an opportunity to join other states, such as California, New York, and Pennsylvania, that have already begun integrating cricket into school athletics.
The push reflects:
Growing cultural diversity in Minnesota communities
Increased youth participation in non-traditional sports
Demand for more inclusive athletic opportunities
What Happens Next
The bill remains under consideration and could be included in a larger education omnibus package before advancing to a full Senate vote.
If ultimately passed and signed into law, Minnesota would formally recognize cricket as a high school sport, with implementation expected by the 2027–2028 school year.
Written by: Will Wight
