2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 417

Commending the Central Virginia Cricket Association, Capital Women's Cricket League, and Richmond Youth Cricket.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2025

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 2025

WHEREAS, the Central Virginia Cricket Association, Capital Women's Cricket League, and Richmond Youth Cricket have made significant strides in promoting and expanding women's cricket in the Richmond area and across the Commonwealth, providing a structured pathway for female cricketers to compete at higher levels; and

WHEREAS, with invaluable support from Henrico County and other localities, the Central Virginia Cricket Association (CVCA), Capital Women's Cricket League (CWCL), and Richmond Youth Cricket (RYC) have successfully hosted matches featuring teams and players from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Canada, fostering a competitive and inclusive cricketing environment; and

WHEREAS, CVCA, CWCL, and RYC follow international cricket regulations, ensuring top-tier standards in gameplay and officiating while creating opportunities for women and youths to gain exposure to structured competition; and

WHEREAS, CVCA, CWCL, and RYC have played a pioneering role in establishing dedicated girls' cricket tournaments, bringing together players from various academies and states, filling a critical gap in opportunities for young female cricketers; and

WHEREAS, by fostering inclusivity, CVCA, CWCL, and RYC have united players from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, strengthening the spirit of community through cricket; and

WHEREAS, historical records highlight early Virginians as participants in cricket, including William Byrd of Westover and Thomas Jefferson's grandfather, emphasizing the sport's deep roots in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, CVCA, CWCL, and RYC collaborate with other leagues to organize and promote various tournaments, including interstate and high-performance competitions, ensuring sustained growth and development of the sport; and

WHEREAS, CVCA, CWCL, and RYC actively engage with local communities and cricket academies to advance women's cricket by hosting and supporting tournaments dedicated to female players, while also working to secure better facilities, coaching, and resources for their development; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Central Virginia Cricket Association, Capital Women's Cricket League, and Richmond Youth Cricket for their combined efforts to advance the sport of cricket in Richmond and throughout the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to Zulfi Khan, the Central Virginia Cricket Association, Capital Women's Cricket League, and Richmond Youth Cricket as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for their mission to create new opportunities for female athletes.