Our small business blog series, Connected by GFiber, continues! This time we're featuring Jana Chellaperumal, owner of the Morrisville Raptors cricket team in North Carolina's Research Triangle region and former president of the Triangle Cricket League. Jana shares how GFiber's high-speed reliable internet supports the game of cricket.

When the Triangle Cricket League partnered with the Town of Morrisville in 2010 to grow the game in the region, the Town had the vision to expand how we serve our community that plays cricket. TCL had been a vital partner for growth and connecting the Town with opportunities to continue the vision. But we needed infrastructure that could connect our players, our fans, and our community on a global scale. Five years ago, when GFiber came to Church Street Park in Morrisville, it became the missing piece that transformed cricket in our region from a local interest into a robust international offering, seen from the Research Triangle to Bangladesh, India, and beyond.

I'm one of the owners and manager of the Morrisville Raptors of Minor League Cricket, and our home matches are played at Church Street Park in Morrisville. We have teams traveling from as far as New Jersey, Baltimore and Orlando to compete here. The Town hosts Major League Cricket matches that draw crowds from around the world. The enthusiasm translates to the success of the Triangle Cricket League. I'm proud that we've developed a program — more than 3,000 members strong — where young players can train alongside international professionals and set their sights on reaching the highest levels of the game.

Photo Credit: Minor League Cricket

And what makes it even more special is the high-speed fiber-optic internet infrastructure.

The streaming capabilities that GFiber provides changed everything for us. Today, thanks to outlets like the Minor League Cricket YouTube channel and Willow TV, matches reach viewers from around the world, from India to communities throughout North America. In the past three years alone, we've streamed more than 150 cricket matches, attracting 35,000 fans at our parks in Morrisville and nearly a quarter million online enthusiasts. When we hosted the recent MiLC playoff series featuring one of the world's top 10 cricket players, thousands watched live on YouTube. They weren't just passive viewers. They were engaged, commenting and celebrating throughout the games, and feeling connected from thousands of miles away.

This connectivity isn't just about entertainment. It's about opportunity. International talent now chooses to come play in Morrisville precisely because they know their families, their fans, and potential sponsors can watch them perform. Young players in our academy are motivated to push harder and dream bigger.

Parents watching from abroad can see their children's progress in real time. The broadcast transforms Church Street Park from a local field into a legitimate stage for professional cricket.

A True Partnership

Morrisville’s Town leadership understood early that a thriving community celebrates the interests and cultures of all its residents. Morrisville embraced cricket. Bryan Rhea, Athletics Program Manager for the Town of Morrisville, reflects on the journey: "About 16 years ago, there was a collaborative effort between the town and the Triangle Cricket League to provide space for local cricket clubs at Shiloh Park. Things evolved remarkably quickly from those humble beginnings into what you now see at Church Street Park, matches streamed to viewers across multiple countries around the world."

Photo Credit: Keenan Hairston

Without the Town's help, I don't think we could do what we're doing today. The collaboration between our organizations and the Town has been remarkable, from securing the initial space at Church Street Park to supporting multiple facility upgrades to recognizing the economic and cultural benefits cricket brings.

This commitment extends beyond cricket. When we needed reliable, high-speed internet to handle professional-grade streaming with multiple camera feeds and live reviews, GFiber delivered. But that same fiber also provides free wireless access for all park visitors, benefiting the entire community. It's infrastructure that serves everyone, from families enjoying a picnic, to kids playing soccer, and yes, passionate cricket players and fans.

The economic impact has been significant. "When Major League Cricket comes in, we see a huge uptick in fans," says Brandon Zuidema, Town Manager. "A lot of those are from out of town, and so they will come and stay in Wake County hotels and motels, and then they will also have their food and do some shopping here, so that's a really good opportunity for the community."

As we look to the future, we're excited about possibilities to expand streaming to additional facilities as they come online. But whatever comes next, it will be built on the foundation that GFiber helped create, a true fusion of technology and community that makes Morrisville a premier cricket destination.

To the Town of Morrisville, to GFiber, and to every person who believes in the power of sport to unite communities, thank you. Together, we're proving that with the right infrastructure and the right vision, a small town can become a global stage.

Posted by Jana Chellaperumal, Owner, Morrisville Raptors