Cricket Australia is proud to launch its Multicultural Ambassador Program, naming 53 individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences across government, business, sport, media, and community as the inaugural representatives. This initiative marks a significant step towards inclusivity and positive change within the sport and the wider community.
The Ambassador Program, a key action from the Australian Cricket Multicultural Action Plan, brings together esteemed leaders from various sectors to advocate for diversity and drive meaningful change. The inaugural list of ambassadors includes many past and current players, industry and community leaders, who will champion diversity and support the goals outlined in the Multicultural Action Plan.
Among the notable ambassadors are Russel Arnold, Usman Khawaja, Mel Jones, Wasim Akram, Ravi Shastri, Lisa Sthalekar, Kishwar Chowdhury, Alana King, Peter Varghese, Swati Dave, and Fawad Ahmed. These ambassadors, hailing from diverse sectors, will help drive the five focus areas of Australian Cricket’s Multicultural Action Plan: Participation, High Performance, People and Representation, Communications and Engagement, and Event and Experience.
Focusing on areas specific to their expertise, the ambassadors will offer leadership, insight, and support to foster greater connectivity across the Australian cricket landscape. Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley, emphasized the significance of this program:
“We are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic and diverse group as Multicultural Ambassadors. Their collective leadership, expertise, and passion will be instrumental in driving meaningful change and fostering a more inclusive cricketing community.
“The Multicultural Ambassador Program represents Cricket Australia’s unwavering commitment to creating a sport that reflects contemporary Australian society and embraces individuals from all backgrounds. Through collaboration and collective action, the program aims to ensure that cricket remains a welcoming and inclusive sport for all.
“Our objectives are clear: to create more opportunities for multicultural members of the community to engage with cricket, break down barriers, build trust, and drive progress across.”
Australian player, Usman Khawaja, shared his enthusiasm for the program:
“I am proud to sign on as one of Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Ambassadors. I see the sport as a bridge that connects communities and welcomes all, fostering understanding, respect, and unity.
“As a sport, we need to take the next step to ensure we get greater and more equitable representation of the community as a whole by creating opportunities, celebrating our shared love for the game, and inspiring members of all backgrounds to get involved.”
Former Australian player and cricket commentator, Lisa Sthalekar, echoed these sentiments:
“Being a Cricket Australia Multicultural Ambassador is an incredible honor. It’s a role that allows me to celebrate and promote the diversity that makes our sport so vibrant and inclusive.
“Cricket has the power to unite people from all backgrounds, and I am committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and inspired to be a part of the game.”
Engaged for an initial two-year period, the diverse lineup of ambassadors reflects a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, with representatives from Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Indigenous Australian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Afghani communities. This diverse composition ensures a multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion in cricket and society across all levels.
The Multicultural Ambassador Program stands as a testament to Cricket Australia’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and representative sport, aiming to create a cricketing community that truly mirrors the multicultural fabric of Australia.
