We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mangesh Chaudhari. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mangesh below.
Alright, Mangesh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Prairie View Cricket Complex was formed in 2018 with a goal to develop domestic cricket infrastructure in the USA. We developed Prairie View Cricket Complex which is the largest cricket complex in the country. We are hosting national level tournaments for youth, colleges and professional players throughout the year. In 2021 we partnered with the American Cricket Enterprise to take our vision to national level.
We also own and operate professional cricket team, Houston Hurricanes, which is part of minor league cricket tournament. Houston Hurricanes features national and international players and attracts lot of attention in the cricket community across the city and country.
We are also engaging in cricket infrastructre development project all across the USA with a goal of developing six international standard venues by 2026. We are also investor in Major League Cricket and successfully executed inaugural season of Major League recently in USA.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Armed with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University, I began my professional journey in the United States in 2008, ultimately dedicating five years at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working on various Department of Energy projects.
In 2018, I relocated to Houston with aspirations in the oil and gas industry. However, a compelling project in cricket infrastructure development prompted me to make a pivotal career shift. Currently, I am fully immersed in fostering cricket growth at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to professional standards. My expertise lies not only in the technical realm but also in the strategic and managerial aspects of cricket development.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
in the sprawling landscapes of the United States, where the echoes of baseball and football reverberate through the collective consciousness, I embarked on a Herculean journey to introduce cricket to the nation. The challenge was monumental, as cricket was an unknown entity in a sports market dominated by the behemoths of MLB and NFL.
Undeterred by the daunting competition, I set out to establish cricket in the American sports scene. The first hurdle was sponsorship – convincing investors to support a sport that, at the time, held little recognition. The road to securing funding for stadiums and infrastructure was equally arduous, as cricket struggled to find its footing in a landscape dominated by well-established sporting giants.
However, I approached the challenge with a strategic vision. Starting in 2020, professional tournaments were meticulously organized, each one building upon the success and lessons of the previous. These tournaments served as stepping stones, gradually garnering attention and support. It wasn’t just about introducing cricket; it was about creating a foundation strong enough to withstand the inevitable challenges.
As the seasons unfolded, the cricket community in the USA grew, capturing the imagination of players, enthusiasts, and even skeptics. I navigated the complexities of securing sponsors, convincing stakeholders of cricket’s potential, and rallying the support needed to establish a league of their own – Major League Cricket (MLC).
In 2023, the inaugural season of MLC unfolded, marking a historic moment in American sports. The stadiums, once mere aspirations, now stood tall, a testament to the resilience and determination of the cricket community. Fans flocked to the games, embracing a sport that had struggled to find its place in a crowded arena.
The success of the first season didn’t just signify the birth of Major League Cricket; it symbolized the triumph of resilience over adversity. Cricket was no longer an unknown entity in the USA; it had carved a niche for itself, promising a promising future.
The journey of establishing cricket in the USA was far from over, but the inaugural season of Major League Cricket had laid a solid foundation. The tale of Major League Cricket became a story of triumph, inspiring a new generation of cricket enthusiasts and paving the way for the sport to thrive on American soil.
How’d you meet your business partner?
In the heart of Houston, where cricket fields emerged like hidden gems, my journey to finding a mentor and business partner began with a simple Google search. Aware of the local cricket scene, I decided to rekindle my love for the sport and explore nearby clubs. One Sunday, I stepped onto a cricket field that would change the course of my professional life.
It was at this local club that I first encountered Mr. Tanweer Ahmed, not just a fellow player but a mentor who would become an integral part of my entrepreneurial journey. We played together, shared victories, and forged a friendship on the foundation of a shared passion for cricket. Our camaraderie reached new heights when we clinched the Houston Cricket League championship together, celebrating not only the win but the bonds that were forming.
As life’s innings progressed, I moved on to another cricket club. Little did I know that this transition would mark the beginning of a new chapter. One day, out of the blue, Tanweer Ahmed reached out to me. His enthusiasm was palpable as he shared news that he had acquired land and was envisioning a cricket pitch. Aware of my keen interest in cricket development, he asked if I could lend my expertise to the project.
With a shared vision taking root, we delved into transforming Tanweer’s land into a cricketing haven. The journey from a simple pitch development project evolved into something more profound – the birth of a business venture. Together, we decided to venture into grassroots cricket development and the broader landscape of infrastructure development for the sport.
Our partnership flourished, reaching international heights as we invested in a professional team based out of Barbados. This venture was not just about local development but a global vision for the sport. As cricket enthusiasts turned entrepreneurs, we took our ambitions a step further and became proud investors in Major League Cricket.
The culmination of our efforts led to the joint ownership of the Houston Hurricanes, a franchise team in Minor League Cricket. Our venture had transformed from a simple Google search to playing a crucial role in shaping the cricketing landscape of Houston and beyond. The cricket pitch we started with had become a symbol of our shared dreams, dedication, and the extraordinary journey from players to investors and developers.
The story of how I met my business partner, Tanweer Ahmed, exemplifies the unpredictable beauty of life’s innings. From a chance meeting on a local cricket field to joint ownership of a professional team, our shared love for cricket has not only strengthened our friendship but has also created a lasting legacy in the world of cricket development.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehoustonhurricanes/?next=%2F
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cricketcomplex.prairieview.1
Image Credits
Mangeshh Chaudhari