Cricket Australia has unveiled its Multicultural Ambassador Program, appointing 54 individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries to champion inclusivity and drive positive change in cricket and the wider community.
The announcement is a key initiative of the Australian Cricket Multicultural Action Plan, designed to unite leaders from government, business, sport, media, and community sectors. These ambassadors will advocate for diversity, supporting the goals outlined in the Action Plan.
Among the inaugural ambassadors are current and former cricket players, as well as industry and community leaders. Notable figures include Usman Khawaja, Mel Jones, Wasim Akram, Ravi Shastri, Lisa Sthalekar, Kishwar Chowdhury, Alana King, Peter Varghese, Swati Dave, and Fawad Ahmed.
The ambassadors will focus on five key areas: Participation, High Performance, People and Representation, Communications and Engagement, and Event and Experience. Their expertise will be crucial in fostering greater connectivity and inclusivity within Australian cricket.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley expressed his enthusiasm for the 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.”
Australian player Usman Khawaja shared his excitement: “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 a 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 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.”
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. This diverse lineup ensures a multifaceted approach to addressing diversity and inclusion challenges in cricket and society.
This initiative underscores Cricket Australia’s dedication to breaking down barriers and building trust, ensuring that cricket remains a sport where everyone feels they belong.
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