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Washington Freedom Partners with Local Colleges to Expand Student Opportunities and Boost Frederick Community
Professional cricket might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Frederick, Maryland, but that’s exactly what makes Washington Freedom’s latest move so exciting. The Major League Cricket team has officially partnered with Frederick Community College (FCC) and Hood College to create new pathways for students and to invest in the local community. It’s one of those partnerships that makes you want to Celebrate, Explore, Connect! once you see the bigger picture.
A Partnership Rooted in Opportunity
At a signing ceremony held at FCC, representatives from the team, its sponsor Infinite Computer Solutions, and both colleges came together to launch a collaboration centered on internships, hands-on learning, and future career opportunities.
Washington Freedom owner Sanjay Govil, who also founded Infinite Computer Solutions, has supported educational programs across the country, and he sees this as the next step in that mission.
Maryland Secretary of Higher Education Sanjay Rai, who helped connect the colleges with the team, put it perfectly: economic mobility doesn’t happen by accident. It takes early investment, long before the spotlight shows up.
Why Colleges Are Excited
FCC President Annesa Payne Cheek admitted that a cricket team, a tech company, and two colleges might seem like an unlikely trio. But she sees the partnership as a powerful example of leadership coming together to create real opportunities for students.
Hood College President Debbie Ricker echoed that enthusiasm. With Hood launching a sports and entertainment marketing minor, the timing couldn’t be better. Students will have access to mentorships, experiential projects, and potential jobs in a growing sports industry.
A Possible Stadium on the Horizon
One of the biggest pieces of the puzzle is Washington Freedom’s proposed cricket park in Frederick. The team envisions a community‑friendly space that could host not just cricket, but other sports and events as well.
But there’s a catch: the land is currently zoned for general commercial use, which doesn’t allow for a stadium. The City Council is considering a rezoning request that would shift the area to an institutional floating zone. The Planning Commission has already recommended approval with conditions, but the final decision has been delayed until after the new council takes office.
Council President César Díaz says he hopes to have clarity soon.
Building Community, With or Without a Stadium
While the rezoning process plays out, Washington Freedom isn’t sitting still. General Manager Rohit Anand says the team has been using the time to meet residents, connect with local vendors, and get to know the community they hope to call home.
And importantly, even if the stadium doesn’t move forward, the team says the internship and career opportunities for students will continue, though the full vision of the partnership would be scaled back.
Looking Ahead
For many in Frederick, this partnership is an introduction to cricket, a sport beloved around the world but still growing in the U.S. FCC’s President Cheek even joked that she’s never been to a cricket match but can’t wait to experience one alongside the community.
That’s the spirit of this whole initiative: bringing something global to a local stage, and opening doors for students along the way.
Stay Connected
Whether you’re rooting for the Washington Freedom, MI New York, LA Knight Riders, or any of the rising squads, the next season is your chance to be part of cricket history in the making.
At Sanskar Savvy, we support events that bring people together through sport, music, and culture. These matches give fans the chance to Celebrate, Explore, Connect! with cricket in a truly global way.
For full coverage, player updates, and community highlights from the MLC’s upcoming season, follow Sanskar Savvy and stay connected. Catch up on our recent features, including our story on Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy Tour Announcement.
