Hemant Anilkant Buch is widely recognized as one of the foremost pioneers of youth cricket development in the United States. A visionary administrator, grassroots builder, and passionate mentor, Hemant has devoted nearly four decades to transforming cricket from a recreational pastime into a structured and thriving youth sport across California and the nation.
ICC Volunteer of the Year award winner for 2006, and his academy was recognized for the excellence in youth development for Americas region.
His journey began in 1987 as a foreign student at San Jose State University, where he persuaded the athletic director to establish the Spartans Cricket Club and secured the first dedicated cricket field within California universities — a historic milestone that laid the groundwork for collegiate cricket in the region.
In 2003, Hemant and her wife Kinjal founded the California Cricket Academy (CCA), a nonprofit organization focused on grassroots development. What began with just 23 students practicing in a dilapidated baseball stop has grown into one of America’s premier youth cricket institutions.
Today, under the leadership of Hemant and his wife Kinjal, CCA operates across nine California cities and trains more than 600 boys and girls annually. The academy now features seven cricket fields, fourteen batting cages, and a youth-only international-grade turf facility in Santa Clara — built through Hemant’s fundraising efforts exceeding one million dollars over the years.
When youth cricket lacked structure and opportunity, Hemant stepped forward. Since 2005, he has hosted and sponsored national youth tournaments, often covering hotels and meals to ensure talented players could compete. More than 200 young American cricketers, including few international players have benefited from pathways created through his leadership. Besides national events, He organized many international tours over the years for youth boys & Girls to provide international competitive environment to nurture future stars of Cricket in USA.
As Western Region Chairman of USA Cricket for 12 years, Hemant launched the region’s largest interleague tournament, streamlined selection processes, and introduced the first regional operating guidelines. He also worked tirelessly with California lawmakers to help recognize cricket as an official high school sport — a landmark achievement for the game’s future.
From building the first university cricket field in California to creating a nationwide youth movement, Hemant Anilkant Buch has redefined what is possible for cricket in America — shaping not just athletes, but future leaders.
Ashok P. Patel, Founder & President of USA Cricket Academy and cricket hall of famer nominated Hemant Buch to be considered for induction into the Cricket Hall of Fame.