Saurabh Netravalkar, Mukthar Ahmed and Usman Rafiq checked in on players competing in the local Dallas Youth Premier League.

The Dallas Youth Premier League is in its early years with cricket booming in the local area with more than 1,500 juniors across all age-groups.

“Four or five years ago, parents asked me what the future of cricket is here,” said League Director Dhandapani. “Now, no one is asking me.”

The kids got to meet and talk to Freedom stars Saurabh Netravalkar, Mukthar Ahmed and Usman Rafiq.

“I’ve been playing here for quite a while,” said Rafiq, who represented Houston Hurricanes in the Minor Leagues and arranged the visit. “So I’ve got to know a lot of people, especially in Texas.

“Whatever experience the juniors can gain from all the guys that are here [is fantastic].”

Netravalkar was in particular demand from the kids, many of whom had seen his incredible display against San Francisco Unicorns where he took 6-9, with dozens of the young players being full of questions for Freedom’s star bowler.

“For them to actually be able to associate professional cricket first hand,” said Dallas Youth Premier League administrator Syed Shahanawaz, “it provides a lot of inspiration, support and motivation for these players to pursue cricket, not just as a passion, but who knows as professionals as well.”

Watch Freedom stars visit Dallas Youth Premier League players