MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia announces the launch of its Multicultural Ambassador Program, appointing 54 individuals from varied backgrounds spanning government, business, sports, media, and community as its inaugural representatives.

This initiative, stemming from the Australian Cricket Multicultural Action Plan, unites esteemed leaders to advocate for inclusivity and drive positive change within cricket and beyond. The ambassadors, including notable past and present players alongside industry and community leaders such as Usman Khawaja, Mel Jones, and Wasim Akram, will champion diversity and support the plan’s goals. Hailing from diverse sectors, they will contribute expertise to advance the five focus areas of the Multicultural Action Plan, fostering greater connectivity in Australian cricket.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley expresses excitement over the dynamic group’s potential to foster a more inclusive cricketing community. Usman Khawaja emphasizes the sport role in bridging communities, while Lisa Sthalekar underscores the importance of celebrating cricket’s diversity. The diverse lineup of ambassadors, representing various cultural backgrounds including Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Indigenous Australian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Afghani, will engage for an initial two-year period. Their collective efforts promise a multifaceted approach to promoting diversity and inclusion in cricket and society at large.