Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
Participation in entry-level cricket programs amongst culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities has grown by 29% to more than 26,000 participants over the last two years as a result of Cricket Australia’s T20 World Cup Multicultural Legacy Program.
The Legacy Program was made possible through a $4.4 million contribution from the Australian Government’s Major Event Legacy Fund, that enabled Cricket Australia to capitalise on the success and record attendances at the 2022 ICC T20 Men’s World Cup and further connect with CALD communities and increase multicultural participation in cricket.
Through the Legacy Program, initiatives targeting multicultural community participation have been delivered, including cricket clinics for multicultural participants, tape-ball cricket tournaments, coaching and officiating training and cultural festivals.
A key partner of the Legacy Program, the Usman Khawaja Foundation (UKF) has engaged more than 3,500 participants from multicultural communities providing educational, playing and training opportunities through cricket.
Following the success of the Legacy Program, Cricket Australia will continue its work with the UKF, further strengthening a joint commitment to promote inclusion within the sport.
Another significant achievement has been the development and implementation of Australian Cricket’s Multicultural Action Plan. A cornerstone of the Legacy Program, the Multicultural Action Plan is designed to enhance engagement and inclusion across all areas of Australian cricket, reinforcing the game’s mission to be a ‘Sport for All’.
The Legacy Program has also delivered the recently launched Multicultural Ambassador Program which brings together 57 esteemed leaders to advocate for inclusivity within the sport and broader Australian society. The Ambassadors represent government, business, media, cricket and the community and provide leadership, insight and support for the delivery of the Multicultural Action Plan.
Additional key achievements of the Legacy Program:
- A record-breaking 1,000 South Asian participants per month engaged in Winter Woolworths Cricket Blast and junior cricket competitions across May to July 2024, marking a 30% increase from previous years.
- The launch of the Sydney Thunder Tape Ball League and the SQUAD Bangladesh T20 National Championships, providing non-traditional formats of cricket to attract multicultural participants.
- The delivery of cultural festivals, such as ‘The Outfield’ in December 2023, which celebrated Pakistan’s food, music, and culture while giving fans the opportunity to play tape-ball cricket.
Hon Anika Wells MP, Federal Minister for Sport said:
“This is what it looks like when sport has a proactive multicultural program and works with their own stars to prioritise inclusion.
“To see cricket grow in entry-level programs in CALD communities by 29% through 26,000 participants over the last two years shows the difference investment can make and the Albanese Government is proud to have supported Cricket Australia and the Usman Khawaja Foundation through a program genuinely making a difference.”
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO, said:
“The ICC T20 World Cup Legacy Program has been a transformative initiative for Australian Cricket, allowing Cricket Australia to extend the reach of our sport and create lasting opportunities for multicultural communities across the country.
“By fostering inclusivity and increasing participation, particularly through initiatives like those laid out in our Multicultural Action Plan, we are ensuring that cricket truly is a sport for all.
“We are enormously grateful to Minister Wells and the Australian Government for its support for the Legacy Program.
“We are also delighted with what has been achieved through our work with the Usman Khawaja Foundation.
“Usman is not only an incredible player but a true role model, whose impact extends far beyond the field.
“His commitment to giving back to the community through the Usman Khawaja Foundation has been inspiring, and together we will continue to create opportunities for young people from multicultural backgrounds to connect with cricket and feel a sense of belonging.”
Usman Khawaja said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the work the Usman Khawaja Foundation does and am grateful for the support of Cricket Australia, the Australian Government and the Legacy Program.
“Cricket has the power to break down barriers and create meaningful connections, it has been rewarding to see so many young people from multicultural background embrace the game.
“Providing opportunities and making cricket accessible is a key focus for the UKF, and our work with Cricket Australia ensures we can continue to welcome and support the aspirations of targeted youth through cricket and education.”
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Name of Author: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA), formerly the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), is the governing body for cricket in Australia. Established in 1905 as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket, CA manages all national teams, including Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sides, as well as other national teams. It oversees the organization of Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, and coordinates home international fixtures.
