Team Neemopani
Cricket Australia is thrilled to unveil its groundbreaking Multicultural Ambassador Program, introducing 54 remarkable individuals from diverse backgrounds spanning government, business, sport, media, and community sectors as the inaugural representatives.
As a pivotal initiative from the Australian Cricket Multicultural Action Plan, the Ambassador Program unites esteemed leaders to champion inclusivity and drive positive change within cricket and the broader community.
This stellar group of ambassadors includes both past and present players, along with industry and community leaders, dedicated to promoting diversity and supporting the goals of the Multicultural Action Plan.
Among the inaugural ambassadors are notable figures such as Usman Khawaja, Mel Jones, Wasim Akram, Ravi Shastri, Lisa Sthalekar, Kishwar Chowdhury, Alana King, Peter Varghese, Swati Dave, and Fawad Ahmed.
These ambassadors, representing various sectors including government, business, community, media, and cricket, will help propel the five focus areas of Australian Cricket’s Multicultural Action Plan: Participation, High Performance, People and Representation, Communications and Engagement, and Event and Experience.
Leveraging their unique expertise, the ambassadors will provide leadership, insights, and support to enhance connectivity across the Australian cricket landscape.
Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley, expressed his excitement: “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 cricketer Usman Khawaja shared his pride: “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 greater and more equitable representation of the community by creating opportunities, celebrating our shared love for the game, and inspiring members of all backgrounds to get involved.”
Former Australian cricketer and commentator Lisa Sthalekar added: “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.”
The ambassadors, engaged for an initial two-year period, reflect a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, including Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Indigenous Australian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Afghani communities.
Among them are distinguished high-profile figures, influential business leaders, and community champions. This diverse composition ensures a multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion in cricket and society at all levels.
