HOUSTON -- Every sport needs a place to play, but one of the world's most popular games is getting pushed out of a southwest Harris County park.

“We were caught by surprise,” said Bobby Sarwar.

He is the president of the Houston Cricket League. He says for the past 20 years its hosted thousands of games on five fields of Tom Bass Park not far from Pearland.

About three months ago, Harris County sent a letter to the cricket teams telling them the fields have to go. That is because the county’s park master plan calls for the fields to be converted into a dog park with picnic tables. 

The order comes from County Commissioner El Franco Lee, who oversees Tom Bass Park. He declined to talk to 11 News about the decision on camera, but offered up his Parks Superintendent.

“The cricket fields were never intended to be a permanent fixture,” Pct. 1 Parks Superintendent Paul Mauricio said.

Mauricio said cricket players have been told for several years they would one day have to move.

Plus, he says the growing park must focus on the needs of nearby residents. Which doesn't include cricket.

“The majority of players are not constituents of precinct one,” said Mauricio.

Still, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett says leaders should help cricket players find a new home somewhere.

“I want to be sure all of these cricket players and fans have a place to play,” said Emmett.

“It requires a lot of money to construct these pitches and all that and we don't have the funds to do this transition,” he said. “I thought we deserved some appreciation.”