ATLANTA, Ga. (EYT) – The Atlanta Open 2024, held in Atlanta, Georgia, from October 8th to 13th, was a thrilling display of top-level cricketing talent from across the United States.
Twelve franchises from Texas, Washington, Missouri, California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, and Pennsylvania competed in the prestigious tournament, with some of the finest players showcasing their skills. However, the ultimate victory went to the Clarion Eagles, a team that demonstrated extraordinary talent, teamwork, and resilience throughout the six-day event.
The Clarion Eagles franchise, owned by Yasir Bhatti, a prominent resident of Clarion, Pennsylvania, put up a team that stood victorious in this highly competitive tournament. With Clarion locals Saif Badar, Muhammad Mohsin, and Mukhtar Ahmed formed the core of the team. Their consistent performances, alongside the contributions of international players and other U.S.-based cricketers, were critical in their path to the championship.
Clarion Eagles is an evolving cricket franchise and has been a part of several professional cricket tournaments through the past 3 years. These include the US Open Cricket tournament (2021, 22 and 23 editions), Diversity Cup 2023 (Winners), Unity Cup 2023, Houston Open 2023, Michigan Open 2024.
Clarion Eagles also fields a team in the locally conducted Pittsburgh Cricket League (PCL).
Yasir Bhatti has successfully stood up two professional sized cricket fields in Clarion earlier this year, which has been the primary ground for majority of the PCL games.
The Atlanta Open 2024 tournament featured intense cricket action from start to finish, with franchises from across the country locking horns in fierce competition. Teams from cricketing hubs such as Texas, California, and Michigan brought together some of the best domestic talent, while also featuring a handful of international stars. Over the course of six days, these teams competed in exciting nail-biting matches, drawing crowds of passionate cricket enthusiasts from across the region.
The Clarion Eagles’ win was particularly notable due to the diverse composition of the team. While the core players were residents of Clarion, the Eagles also included international stars from Namibia and South Africa, who added significant strength and experience to the roster. This blend of local talent and international flair allowed the Clarion Eagles to gel as a cohesive unit, bringing home the title. The team’s diversity also highlighted the growing popularity of cricket in the United States and how it serves as a platform to connect players from all over the world.
Leading the team was Aakarshit Gomel, a former India Domestic player, who led the charge with some extravagant batting throughout the tournament. Key performances from Muhammad Mohsin, who delivered in clutch moments with both bat and ball, and Saif Badar’s consistent performance with the bat, played a major role in the Eagles’ success. Mukhtar Ahmed’s aggressive batting at the top of the order provided the team with momentum in several crucial matches. These players, along with their international counterparts, formed the backbone of a team that thrived under pressure, especially in the knockout stages of the tournament.
The Eagles’ victory not only brought them the Atlanta Open title but also cemented Clarion’s name in the national cricketing circuit. The town of Clarion, previously not widely associated with cricket, is now gaining recognition both within the U.S. and abroad. It is a significant milestone not only for the Clarion Eagles but also for the town of Clarion, Pennsylvania. Yasir Bhatti, the team’s owner, expressed his pride in how the team performed and the positive recognition that came with their triumph. “This win is for Clarion. Our players, both local and international, have made the town proud, and we are thrilled to bring this championship home,” Bhatti remarked.
In a sport that continues to gain momentum in the U.S., the Clarion Eagles have proven that cricket has found a home in Clarion, Pennsylvania, with hopes of even greater accomplishments in the future.
