We were lucky to catch up with Sneh Patel, Brij Patel, Dhruvil Dagli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sneh Patel, Brij Patel, Dhruvil Dagli, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The genesis of the Philadelphia Warhawks lies in late-night conversations fueled by a shared frustration. We, Sneh, Brij, and Dhruvil, would spend hours glued to the television, watching international cricket matches, yearning to experience the same level of excitement and competitiveness locally. Despite our passion for the game, opportunities to play competitive cricket in Philadelphia were limited. This disparity between the thrilling matches we witnessed and the lack of high-level cricket in our own city fueled a desire to change the landscape. We recognized a city brimming with untapped potential for cricket, a passion simmering just beneath the surface among diverse communities. This realization ultimately led to the establishment of the Philadelphia Warhawks in 2023, a vision we began cultivating in 2022.

This realization, coupled with the observation of cricket’s growing global following and its potential to captivate a new audience in the United States, fueled our shared dream: to establish a professional cricket team in Philadelphia. The idea was audacious, filled with both excitement and trepidation. Would there be enough local interest? Could we attract top-tier talent? Could we build a sustainable business model? These questions swirled in our minds, but the belief in the untapped potential of cricket in Philadelphia, the desire to bring world-class cricket to our city, ultimately outweighed our doubts.

We recognized a significant gap in the American cricket landscape. While the sport enjoyed a growing following, particularly among immigrant communities, there was no professional team in Philadelphia to cater to this passionate fanbase. We envisioned a team that would not only compete at the highest level but also actively engage with the local community. This involved grassroots initiatives, youth development programs, and a commitment to showcasing the sport’s unique blend of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. The prospect of bringing world-class cricket to Philadelphia, of fostering a new wave of cricket enthusiasts, and of contributing to the growth of the sport in the United States was incredibly exciting. The challenge of building something from the ground up, of facing the inevitable challenges, of overcoming obstacles, and ultimately, of creating a lasting legacy for cricket in Philadelphia was incredibly motivating.

It was a leap of faith, undoubtedly. We assembled a talented team, secured necessary funding, and embarked on a journey to build a competitive and sustainable franchise. The road ahead would undoubtedly be challenging. While support from the city and overall community is still lacking, we are determined to continue our journey and do our best to garner more attention and build a stronger foundation for the future of cricket in Philadelphia.

We are still learning, still growing, but the dream that ignited this journey, the belief that cricket could thrive in Philadelphia, remains as strong as ever especially given the fact that the first ever international cricket match was played in United States.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

We, the founders of the Philadelphia Warhawks, come from diverse backgrounds – IT, business, and marketing – yet we are united by a shared passion: cricket. This unique blend of perspectives has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity. Our diverse skillsets allow us to approach challenges from multiple angles, fostering innovation and creativity within the organization.

For instance, our marketing expertise has enabled us to effectively communicate our vision to the community, build a strong brand identity, and engage with fans through creative campaigns. Our business acumen has been crucial in securing sponsorships, managing finances, and ensuring the team’s long-term sustainability. And our technology background has allowed us to leverage data analytics and utilize innovative technologies to enhance player performance and improve team operations.

We are more than just a collection of players; we are a collective of local cricketers driven by a shared passion and a commitment to excellence. We provide a platform for aspiring cricketers to challenge themselves, grow as individuals, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. We foster a unique environment where every player, regardless of their skill level, feels valued and empowered to contribute their best to the team’s success. This collaborative spirit, combined with our unwavering dedication to the sport, sets us apart from other teams in the area.

We believe that this unique combination of diverse skills, a shared passion for cricket, and a commitment to fostering a strong team culture will enable the Philadelphia Warhawks to not only compete at the highest level but also to become a positive force within the Philadelphia community.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Our paths to founding the Philadelphia Warhawks were intertwined with our shared passion for cricket. Dhruvil and I connected through our mutual involvement in the Drexel University cricket club, a highly competitive team that has made a significant impact on the National College Cricket Association tournament held every year at the prestigious Prairie View Sports Complex near Houston. Meanwhile, Brij and I crossed paths at the Woodward Cricket Club, where a mutual friend introduced us.

Despite our diverse backgrounds – Dhruvil and I from Drexel, and Brij from the Woodward Cricket Club – we quickly discovered a shared vision: to bring professional cricket to Philadelphia. This common goal, fueled by our passion for the game and our belief in the city’s potential, brought us together to form the foundation for the Philadelphia Warhawks.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

We believe our reputation as a top-tier club within the Philadelphia cricket scene has been built on a foundation of consistent high-performance and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Our achievements, such as winning the USPL 2023 and securing runner-up positions in the Delaware Cup 2023 and MCL 2024, have solidified our position as a force to be reckoned with. These victories, while significant, are a testament to our unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges and striving for success in every match, regardless of the circumstances. Notably, we achieved a remarkable 10-game winning streak across two tournaments, showcasing our dominance and consistent performance.

We strive to maintain a winning mentality, pushing ourselves to constantly improve and exceed expectations. This dedication to excellence, both on and off the field, has earned us the respect of our peers and established the Philadelphia Warhawks as a symbol of competitive spirit and unwavering determination within the local cricket community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/philadelphiawarhawks
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philadelphiawarhawks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Philadelphia-Warhawks/100090817416600/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphiawarhawks/
• Other: Cricclubs to follow our team:
  https://cricclubs.com/MillenniumTwenty20/viewTeam.do?teamId=247&clubId=21827