Wasim Akram among 54 announced as Cricket Australia’s multicultural ambassadors

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Cricket Australia has launched its Multicultural Ambassador Program, naming 54 diverse individuals from government, business, sport, media, and community as inaugural representatives.

This initiative, part of the Australian Cricket Multicultural Action Plan, aims to promote inclusivity and drive positive change in cricket and the wider community.

Ambassadors, including Usman Khawaja, Mel Jones, Wasim Akram, Ravi Shastri, Fawad Ahmed and others, will support the plan's goals in areas like participation, high performance, representation, communication, and events.

Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley, emphasized the program's commitment to diversity and inclusivity, aiming to create more opportunities and break down barriers in cricket. Ambassadors will offer leadership and insight to foster connectivity across the sport.

“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."

Usman Khawaja expressed pride in his role, highlighting cricket as a bridge connecting communities.

“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 cricket commentator, Lisa Sthalekar echoed this, celebrating the sport's unifying power.

“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."

Appointed for an initial term of two years, the diverse group of ambassadors represents a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including individuals from Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Indigenous Australian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Afghani communities.