By Zainab Shafiq 
In an exciting development for cricket, legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram has been appointed as one of 54 multicultural ambassadors by Cricket Australia. This appointment is part of a two-year term and forms a key component of the Australian Cricket Multi-Cultural Action Plan.
Akram joins a distinguished group that includes notable figures such as India’s Ravi Shastri, former Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold, and former Bangladeshi cricketer Aminul Islam. The ambassadors hail from a variety of sectors including government, business, sport, media, and community, reflecting a broad commitment to diversity.
Cricket Australia’s Ambassador Program is designed to promote diversity and encourage positive change within cricket and the broader community. The initiative aims to address key areas such as participation, high performance, representation, dialogue, involvement, events, and experiences in cricket. This program underscores Cricket Australia’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment in the sport, ensuring it is welcoming to individuals from all backgrounds.
Among the Australian cricketers serving as ambassadors are Usman Khawaja, Fawad Ahmed, Scott Boland, Lisa Sthalekar, and Mel Jones. Their involvement is crucial in providing leadership, insight, and support to enhance communication within the cricketing community.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley expressed his enthusiasm about the diverse and dynamic group of ambassadors.
“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,” 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.”
Hockley emphasized the program’s objectives, which include creating more opportunities for multicultural community members to engage with cricket, breaking down barriers, building trust, and driving progress within the sport.
Usman Khawaja, one of the prominent ambassadors, expressed his pride in being part of this 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 stated.
“As a sport, we need to take the next step to ensure we get 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.”
Lisa Sthalekar also shared her excitement about her role as an ambassador.
“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,” she said.
“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 54 ambassadors will work collaboratively to ensure cricket remains welcoming and inclusive. Their efforts are expected to drive significant progress in cricket, making it more accessible and engaging for people from diverse backgrounds. This initiative is a demonstration of
Cricket Australia’s commitment to inclusivity and its determination to use cricket as a vehicle for positive change in society. With leaders like Wasim Akram and Usman Khawaja at the forefront, the future of cricket looks brighter and more inclusive than ever.
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