Did you know Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world (right behind soccer)?!
Did you know Granville Elementary School (GES) teacher, Mr. Rochlani (pictured left), is an internationally certified Cricket Coach with 10+ years of coaching and refereeing Cricket across the world?
And did you know we now have Cricket After School Sessions at GES?
Let's Go Golden Horde Cricket!
The first Cricket After School Session took place on October 9th, 2025 at the GES Library. Granville Elementary Teacher, Mr. Rochlani lead the group with fun, interactive lessons and engaging personal stories on what is Cricket, how to play it and snuck in some history and culture education to help them with state testing.
Mr. Rochlani (pictured left) with three students at the Granville Elementary (GES) Library
Mr. R (as he's known to students), in addition to being a great teacher with both a Literacy and Special Education background, is an internationally accredited Cricket umpire and Certified Coach who has taught Cricket to students of all ages and abilities for 10 years --- and he's bringing his knowledge and experience to Granville Elementary.
The 14 students who attended the first meeting were riveted, asked tons of questions and enjoyed trying out how to "bowl" (think baseball pitching but for Cricket). They also learned about the Cricket fandom across the world and their many, very serious Cricket rivalries.
Three GES students practice proper Cricket form.
More About After-School Cricket
Mr. Rochlani shared that "over the past decade, I have introduced cricket to students using authentic materials and equipment I’ve collected from around the world. Each piece of equipment has an interesting story that students love hearing about. I’ve found great success using cricket not only as a fun movement break in the classroom, but also as a meaningful way to teach world culture, history, and geography. I am also open to taking questions from anyone interested in learning about the game."
Board of Education Member, Michele O'Brien attended the first session and called Mr. Rochlani's cricket initiative a hidden gem. At the October 20, 2025 Board meeting, Ms. O'Brien stated "to see the students so engaged while learning all about cricket was fascinating, encouraging and discovering new talents of one of our district's teachers was like stumbling onto a hidden gem, right here in Granville."
Mr. Rochlani at The Oval, in August 2025, an international cricket ground in London, England, that hosts international and domestic matches. Mr. Rochlani attended the Hundred Tournament which what the students watched during their cricket session. (It's called "oval" because the cricket ground or field is an oval shape.) The Oval has been hosting matches since 1845.
The first five sessions (in the GES Library) will show students how to play the game at home or anywhere using basic materials and explore the history, geography and culture of cricket.
The final eight, sessions (outdoors in the recess yard or cafeteria, depending on the weather) will focus on playing games, practicing skills, and experiencing the fun of cricket firsthand.
Please note, parent/guardians are responsible for transportation after club meetings.
To learn more or ask questions, or to have your GES student join, please contact Mr. Rochlani at srochlani@granvillecsd.org
Here is a link to a 3 minute video on What is Cricket by the International Cricket Council.
Mr. Rochlani playing street cricket in India with children, right outside his hotel. Mr. Rochlani learned that cricket can be played anywhere!
GES Cricket Program Dates & Locations 2025 - 2026:
GES Library, 2:35 pm - 3:35 pm
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Recess Yard or Cafeteria Sessions, 2:35 pm - 3:35 pm
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Thursday, June 4, 2026
What to Bring to Cricket Sessions: Comfortable clothes and sneakers
A picture from the India vs. West Indies International Cricket Game in Lauderhill, Florida. International games often take place in Florida.
To learn more or ask questions, or to join, please contact Mr. R at srochlani@granvillecsd.org
This is the Ashes Urn at Lord's Cricket Ground in England. Students learned about the intense rivalry between Australian and English cricket that began in 1882 when Australia beat England. The newspaper ran a fake obituary declaring the death of English cricket. Teaching the game's history and personalities is a fun part of the game too. All photos courtesy of Mr. Rochlani.
Thank you to Mr. Rochlani and Principal Ten Eyck for encouraging new ideas at Granville CSD!
More Resources:
How to Get Involved at Granville CSD
Here is the link to more after-school activities at Granville Elementary.