PHILADELPHIA -- The competition between college cricket clubs is usually fierce, but the rivalry intensifies each year when they meet for an annual tournament in Florida.

Twenty-eight teams, including Penn’s Cricket Club are in Fort Lauderdale through Sunday for the American College Cricket Championship tournament in Fort Lauderdale. 

In the Philadelphia region, there are very few of the proper round or oval shaped cricket fields, known as “grounds,” so the Penn team always looks forward to playing on grounds designed specifically for cricket.

“One of the grounds on which the tournament is held is the only International Cricket Council recognized cricket ground in North America,” says Rohan Rai, president of the Penn Cricket Club. “Participating in such a competitive tournament always inspires and thrills our players.”

There’s added excitement for the 13 members of the Penn team going to Florida, because each year they’ve participated, they’ve advanced further along in the tournament. Last year, the team reached the semi-finals, but lost to George Mason University.

“We hope to continue to perform well and make Penn proud,” Rai says.

A game similar to baseball, cricket was started in England in the 16th century and is a very popular sport in many parts of the world, but interest in the United States is still growing.