Wasim Akram was among 54 people appointed on Wednesday as Australia’s multi-cultural ambassadors for two years.

According to an official press release by Cricket Australia, India’s Ravi Shastri, former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh cricketers Russell Arnold and Aminul Islam are also included in the total of 54 ambassadors. These people are from diverse backgrounds and have experience across government, business, sport, media, and the community as the inaugural representatives.

The Ambassador Program of Australian Cricket Multi-Cultural Action Plan brings together prominent figures from a range of sectors to promote diversity and encourage constructive change in the sport and larger community.

Australia’s Test opener Usman Khawaja, spinner Fawad Ahmed, pacer Scott Boland, former women’s cricketers Lisa Sthalekar and Mel Jones are also part of the ambassador program.

The ambassadors, who come from the public sector, private sector, community, media, and cricket, will support Australian’s Cricket Multi-Cultural Action Plan’s five key areas of focus: Participation, high performance, people and representation, dialogue and involvement, event and experience.

Ambassadors will be offering leadership, insight, and support to promote improved communication throughout the Australian cricket scene.

“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,” Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley, said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Khawaja was also looking forward to the initiative.

“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,” Khawaja said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Sthalekar was also honoured to become a part of the program.

“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.”