Interstate Cricket has a long, distinguished, but somewhat disorganized history in the United States. Collegiate play long occurred, but after graduation many amateur club players (professionalism would remain a dirty word for quite some time) still sought to prove they were better than the rapscallions in the next city over. Taking inspiration from County Cricket over in England, Intercity Cricket Emerged, followed soon by Interstate Cricket which pitted teams from one state against others. The first such game is generally said to be Pennsylvania vs New York in 1894, which Pennsylvania won by 19 runs. There was little organization for the first half century of Interstate Cricket. Teams would claim victory for various reasons and declare themselves national champions. It was not until 1947, drawing inspiration from their College Football Poll, that the AP would Poll sportswriters about the best State Cricket teams in the Nation. Each month a new poll is released, with a trophy being awarded to AP #1 in December.
Unlike the Professional Cricket League Interstate Cricket does not use the abbreviated one day format, remaining true to the test roots of the sport. Professionals, oftentimes PCL players, are allowed but pay remains low. Nor are there playoffs, or even a set schedule. The American Cricket Federation offers vague oversight, but the AP retains control over the championship. Teams, organized by State Cricket Clubs and Captains, schedule each other as they so please, with Poll Voters taking the games as they come. There is a general agreement that a team must play at least 12 matches a year to be considered a true contender for high poll rank. Getting the best players so often, between PCL and American National Team Duty, is often difficult and so top teams have been known to pad their schedules. Pennsylvania, for example, plays a second tier squad every other month, but schedules weaker teams such as Hawaii or Washington DC in such slots. Generally winter games, given the likelihood of inclement weather and shorter times are reserved for weaker opponents. September and October are generally the months where true contenders schedule each other, and the final poll rankings are generally merely a formality. Although i famously in 1978 #2 New York suddenly scheduled a game against #4 Pennsylvania in December, and their victory by just 2 wickets enabled them to controversially jump Massachusetts and win the title.
View attachment 691286
