The second annual ISU-sponsored cricket match brought students, faculty and staff together on Oct. 23 for an afternoon of friendly competition and cultural celebration on Casamento Field.

The match, which began at 3:30 p.m., featured teams led by ISU President Todd Pfannestiel and Provost Stephanie Nesbitt. The event was created to highlight the university’s growing international community and promote inclusivity through sport.

During a joint interview after the game, Nesbitt said the idea for the match began about three years ago when a group of international students wanted to introduce others to cricket. Since then, it has developed into a campus tradition that the university plans to continue supporting. She said the event reflects ISU’s commitment to unity, diversity and student involvement.

Pfannestiel added that the match demonstrates the value of collaboration between university leadership and student organizations. He said activities like the cricket match allow students from different backgrounds to connect and learn from one another, helping to strengthen the campus community.

For many international students, the match offered a chance to reconnect with home and share their culture. Several players said cricket is the most popular sport in their countries and appreciated the opportunity to play while studying abroad.

The Cricket Club, led by Sai Sudham Duraisamy and Revati Nishant Nasikkar, organized the event with assistance from the Student Government Association. Funding for the match and similar activities comes through SGA, which supports events that celebrate diversity and encourage campus engagement.

University officials said they expect the annual cricket match to continue as a way to bring the ISU community together through sport and cultural exchange.