MAQ Honored with Gold Medal Lifetime Achievement Award

Date: October 26, 2024

Mahammad Ahmad Qureshi (MAQ) Honored with Gold Medal Lifetime Achievement Award for Revolutionary Contributions to Cricket

Broward County, FL – October 26, 2024 – Mahammad Ahmad Qureshi, widely recognized as MAQ, was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal Lifetime Achievement Award for his transformative contributions to the world of cricket, including pioneering the T20 cricket format and establishing the first ICC-approved cricket stadium in the United States. This honor celebrates MAQ’s exceptional dedication to promoting and developing cricket in the USA, making him a trailblazer and visionary in the sport.

A Pakistani-American entrepreneur and founder of Cricket Council USA (CCUSA), MAQ introduced the T20 cricket format in 1999, making waves in the cricketing world with a fast-paced, audience-friendly format that would come to define the sport globally. His historic decision to introduce T20 cricket in Dania Beach, Florida, set the foundation for T20’s explosive popularity worldwide and signified a groundbreaking shift for cricket in the United States. Today, MAQ’s legacy as the “Founder of T20 Cricket” continues to inspire cricket players and fans globally.

In 2005, MAQ founded the Broward County Cricket Stadium, a premier cricket venue in the United States and the first to earn ICC approval. Located in Broward County, Florida, the stadium stands as a testament to MAQ’s commitment to establishing a sustainable cricket infrastructure in the U.S. This world-class venue has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments and international matches, including the US Open Cricket, which MAQ founded and continues to champion as the largest cricket tournament in the country.

Key Achievements of Mahammad Ahmad Qureshi (MAQ):

• Founder of T20 Cricket (1999): MAQ’s innovative vision in creating the T20 format revolutionized cricket, increasing its accessibility and appeal.
• Cricket Infrastructure Development: The Broward County Cricket Stadium, established by MAQ, marked a historic milestone as the first ICC-approved stadium in the U.S., facilitating cricket at the highest levels.
• Promoting Cricket in the USA: Through Cricket Council USA, MAQ has tirelessly promoted cricket across the country, engaging communities, hosting tournaments, and providing pathways for young talent.
• Scholarship Programs and Youth Development: MAQ has dedicated resources toward scholarships, enabling young players to pursue their passion for cricket alongside their education.

Recognitions:

MAQ’s enduring contributions have earned him numerous accolades, most recently the Gold Medal Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Dan West, Director of Parks and Recreation in Broward County. This honor underscores his unwavering commitment to fostering cricket’s growth and establishing a thriving cricket community in the United States.

Vision for the Future:

Looking ahead, MAQ’s vision for U.S. cricket remains ambitious. With plans to expand cricket programs and infrastructure across the nation, he is working toward creating a future where cricket stands as a major professional sport in America. MAQ’s leadership and passion have inspired a new generation of players, fans, and stakeholders who are integral to this mission.

“Cricket has a bright future in the United States, and I am proud to have contributed to that journey,” MAQ said upon receiving the award. “This recognition is a shared achievement with everyone who believes in the potential of cricket here. Together, we will continue building and nurturing the sport for generations to come.”

Mahammad Ahmad Qureshi’s pioneering vision has positioned cricket for success on American soil. His work with CCUSA, groundbreaking innovations, and commitment to fostering cricket development have laid a robust foundation, ensuring a bright future for cricket across the United States and beyond.