Cricket, with its roots far from the United Arab Emirates and its long matches, might seem like an unusual choice for community-building in an American institution like NYU Abu Dhabi. Yet, over the last five years, cricket in this institution has gone beyond being just a sport — it has become a cultural pillar, bringing together a diverse campus in ways that few activities can.

From humble beginnings with a nine-member intercollegiate team to today's thriving 20-player squad, the growth of cricket on campus mirrors something more intimate and complex: inclusion, accessibility, and camaraderie. The team’s energetic cheer, "together," encapsulates the spirit of cricket at NYUAD. As Muhammad Ahmed Abyan, the cricket captain from the Class of 2025, explains, “So much of cricket is spending time with each other. The only way we get through is if we like spending time with each other.”

The hurdles have been many: cricket is not a short game, matches last up to four hours, and the lack of on-campus facilities often means a six-hour round trip for the games. Despite this, players remain undeterred, clocking an average of 14 games a year. This commitment must stem from the joy and growth the sport cultivates, both on and off the field.

Cricket at NYUAD isn’t just about the intercollegiate team. The university has also developed gully cricket — a version of the game known for its street-style play and inclusivity. What started as a 30-person event is now a two-day tournament featuring 170 players from every part of campus: undergraduates, postgraduates, alumni, and contract staff.

Abyan spoke on this transformation: “It was once a small, students-only event. Now, it’s a university-wide celebration where people prepare all year. This growth is a testament to how cricket brings everyone together.”

For Akila Weerasinghe, a freshman from Sri Lanka, the gully cricket tournament was his first introduction to NYUAD’s vibrant cricket culture. “It resonated with me on a personal level,” he shares. “For two days, people from all aspects of campus life came together, sharing their passion for cricket. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about connecting with others.”

A dynamic and inspiring aspect has been added to the fabric of the cricket community — the rise of women’s cricket. A few years ago, women’s participation was minimal, often relying on last-minute recruitment. Today, thanks to initiatives led by students like Mariam Faisal, Class of 2024, and coach Farzan Khan, women’s cricket is thriving.

“We started with barely any teams,” Mariam recalls. “Now, there’s structure, weekly practice sessions, and a sense of ownership among the players. It’s no longer about convincing people to play; it’s about creating a supportive environment where everyone feels they belong.”

The growth of women’s cricket reflects NYUAD’s broader commitment to equity and inclusion. This year’s gully cricket tournament saw men and women supporting each other on and off the field, creating a more inclusive and celebratory atmosphere.

For Abhinav Mangat, Class of 2025, Coach Farzan Khan is more than just a cricket coach, he is a mentor and a source of invaluable guidance both on and off the field. “Coach Farzan not only helps us with cricket, he's also like a life coach for us. During our weekly practices, he teaches us life skills and how to be a better, kinder person,” Abhinav shares. Coach Farzan has also fostered a culture of reflection and improvement. “Before our matches, we discuss how we’re feeling about it, how we want to perform, he motivates us to give our best, and then after the match, he asks us to reflect on how we performed what we did well, what went wrong, and how we can improve it next time.” His influence goes far beyond the pitch, creating a team environment that feels more like a family. “He's a good friend to all of us... the team is like a family for us.” Coach Farzan’s mentorship, along with his focus on mental health and holistic growth, has shaped a safe and empowering space where players improve their game and grow as individuals.

For alumni like Aryamaan Manish, cricket’s growth is emblematic of NYUAD’s ethos. “What began as informal matches has become a cornerstone of campus culture,” he says. “The administration, student life, and athletics department have played vital roles in supporting this journey, ensuring cricket isn’t just a sport but a community-builder.”

From the lively cheers during a game to the laughter echoing across the field, cricket at NYUAD has become a way for students, staff, and faculty to connect, grow, and celebrate their shared love for the game.

As the team cheer goes, together is how they play — and together is how they have built something extraordinary.