NEW JERSEY – The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Cricmax Connect, setting the stage for the most remarkable India Day Parade in the event’s 43-year history. Scheduled for August 17, 2025, in New York City, this year’s celebration promises not only to commemorate India’s independence but also to herald a new era for cricket in the United States, aligning with the sport’s return to the Olympics.
Vinay A. Bhimjiani, Founder and CEO of Cricmax Connect and former USA Cricket CEO, electrified the event with a major announcement: cricket has officially been included in the Olympic program as of March 28, 2025. With over three decades of global venture experience, Bhimjiani is now channeling his energy into establishing cricket as a mainstream American sport. He highlighted the rapid transformation of cricket in the U.S., from casual games in parking lots to a nationally recognized sport. The momentum gained from the 2024 World Cup—particularly the high-profile India vs Pakistan match—has been instrumental. With Major League Cricket drawing significant investment from tech giants like Microsoft, and IPL franchises such as Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings also committing to the American market, the future looks bright.
Bhimjiani credited the FIA partnership as the essential springboard for Cricmax Connect’s swift ascent. “We started this journey just 75 days ago,” he noted. As the official partner with Los Angeles, Cricmax Connect plans to promote cricket through 115 community camps reaching approximately 10,000 children over eight weeks. The initiative aims to teach cricket fundamentals while building a robust community foundation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Arpit Shah, Chief Operating Officer of Cricmax Connect, underscored the team’s intense dedication to this mission. Known for his expertise in scaling sports tech operations, Shah shared how the team has been working tirelessly to meet demanding goals. He emphasized that the organization is only at the beginning of its commitment to supporting cricket’s Olympic re-entry. According to Shah, Cricmax has achieved in six to eight months what took soccer nearly three decades in the U.S.—a testament to both the sport’s growing appeal and the strategic backing of FIA.
The Cricmax Connect leadership team, a powerhouse of expertise, includes Anant Gupta (Chief Marketing Officer), Sean Shahani (Chief Financial Strategist), Kayur Parekh (Chief Technology Officer), Amar Shah (Chief Product Officer), Ashok Patel (Head Coach), Suru Nayak (Head of Cricket Operations), and Dinesh Nanavaty (Head of Coaching Program). Each brings a unique background in fields ranging from fintech and AI to international cricket governance, forming a championship-caliber team poised to lead cricket’s U.S. expansion.
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya positioned this initiative within the organization’s broader mission of community empowerment and cultural integration. With the Indian American population expected to surpass five million by 2030, Vaidya emphasized cricket as a vital cultural touchstone that can unify and inspire. He sees the India Day Parade as more than a celebration—it’s an opportunity to showcase the Indian American community’s strength and integration into American society.
Photo Credit: The Federation of Indian Association NY-NJ-CT-NE (FIA)
FIA President Saurin Parikh, alongside a highly engaged executive team, is orchestrating what is expected to be the largest celebration of Indian independence outside of India. Senior Advisor Dr. Sudhir Parikh praised the organization’s tremendous growth since 1993, crediting collaborative media initiatives for expanding the community’s cultural footprint. Vice President Priti Ray Patel confirmed the return of the popular Golgappa Contest, inspired by the Chairman’s vision, and noted the high level of community excitement with preparatory sessions already underway.
Other leadership updates include Treasurer Sanjeev Singh reporting 60-70% of vendor booth capacity filled, aiming for over 50 participants; Second Vice President Deepak Goel confirming robust parade float participation; and Gala Convenor Manan Saxena projecting attendance of 550-600 guests at the Cipriani venue, with 50-60% of tables already sold.
FIA Board of Trustees member Dipak Patel and Secretary Srishti K Narula paid tribute to long-term supporters. Dr. Avinash Gupta, Immediate Past President, highlighted key symbolic events including the tricolor flag hoisting at Times Square and celebrations at the Empire State Building. Convenor Sreekanth Akkapalli emphasized the volunteer-driven spirit behind FIA’s success, while Executive Vice President Smita Miki Patel announced a Cultural Showcase featuring 18 Broadway-style performances by over 250 youth at Madison Avenue and 24th Street. Srujal Parikh, Joint Secretary of the Board of Trustees, confirmed extensive media outreach by multiple news organizations.
The convergence of cricket’s Olympic comeback, FIA’s dynamic leadership, and Cricmax Connect’s innovative strategy creates a perfect storm of cultural celebration and athletic momentum. As the Indian diaspora in America prepares for August 17, the 2025 India Day Parade stands not just as a symbol of tradition, but as a launchpad for cricket’s American dream and the broader integration of Indian heritage into the U.S. mainstream.