A friend of Srinivas Kuchibhotla plans to hold a cricket tournament in June to honor the victim of an alleged hate crime shooting.
The shooting happened at Austins Bar & Grill near 151st Street & Mur-Len Road on February 22 and claimed the life of Kuchibhotla while injuring two others.
The suspect, 51-year-old Adam Purinton, was said to have shouted, "Get out of my country," at Kuchibhotla and his friend while they sat at the bar.
More than three months after the shooting, Kuchibhotla's friends plan to honor him.
Sukumar Subramaniyam, who knew Kuchibhothla for years, said he first brought up the idea to a group of organizers with a metro cricket league.
"It was like everybody was thinking it but somebody chose to say it," he explained. "That's the least we could do. It's particularly special for me because I knew him."
Subramaniyam played with Kuchibhotla on the Mystics cricket team, which holds its practices at Minor Park every Friday evening.
Subramaniyam told 41 Action News that as a result of February's tragedy, this season felt different from all the rest.
"It never felt like he was gone," he explained. "It's still difficult. Now he's just not here."
Subramaniyam said Kuchibhotla was known on the cricket team for his good attitude and sportsmanship.
"He was always a calm, collected guy. He never got angry and was always there for you," he explained. "He would run in. He was a tall, lanky guy so he would run in and throw the ball fast."
With the team now practicing this season on a regular basis, Subramaniyam said he missed seeing his friend on the pitch.
"I miss the fun times and hanging out," he explained. "I miss the positivity. (Srinivas) was always being positive."
The cricket tournament will be held June 10 at Stocksdale Park in Liberty.
Subramaniyam said the Mystics will be playing the cricket games with heavy hearts that day.
"On a personal level, at least for our team, it's going to be a little emotional playing this tournament than any other tournament," he explained.
However, teammates hope to show unity and strength following this year's tragic shooting.
"The best way to honor Srinivas is to play to the best of our ability," Subramaniyam explained.
The Srinivas Kuchibhotla Memorial T-20 Cricket Tournament will begin play at 8:30 a.m. on June 10 at Stocksdale Park.
To donate to the event or inquire about sponsorship, visit this link.
