Among the 54 people appointed as Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Ambassadors for a two-year term are Wasim Akram and Ravi Shastri

Melbourne [Australia], May 22: Wasim Akram and Ravi Shastri, two former cricket players from Pakistan and India, were appointed by Cricket Australia on Wednesday as part of its ‘Multicultural Ambassadors Program,’ which includes 54 delegates.

“Cricket Australia is proud to launch its Multicultural Ambassador Program, naming 54 people with diverse backgrounds and experiences across government, business, sport, media, and community as the inaugural representatives,” according to a statement released by the board.

The Ambassador Program was unveiled as a major initiative of the Australian Cricket Multicultural Action Plan. It brings together distinguished professionals from a range of industries to promote inclusion and encourage constructive change in the sport and the community at large.

Several prominent figures from the past and present, as well as leaders from business and the community, are on the list of ambassadors. They will promote diversity and help achieve the objectives stated in the Multicultural Action Plan. Usman Khawaja, Lisa Sthalekar, Wasim Akram, Ravi Shastri, Kishwar Chowdhury, Alana King, Peter Varghese, Swati Dave, and Fawad Ahmed are among the first ambassadors.

The five focal areas of Australian Cricket’s Multicultural Action Plan—Participation, High Performance, People and Representation, Communications and Engagement, and Event and Experience—will be spearheaded by the ambassadors, who come from the government, business, community, media, and cricket.

By concentrating on their areas of expertise, the ambassadors will provide guidance, understanding, and assistance to promote more interconnectivity across the Australian cricket scene.

“We are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic and diverse group as Multicultural Ambassadors,” said Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia. Their combined enthusiasm, knowledge, and leadership will be crucial in bringing about significant change and building an inclusive cricket community.”

“Cricket Australia’s steadfast dedication to developing a sport that includes people from many backgrounds and reflects modern Australian culture is shown in the Multicultural Ambassador Program. The initiative seeks to guarantee that cricket continues to be a friendly and inclusive sport for everyone by working together and taking collective action.”

“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 the board,” he said.

Usman Khawaja, an Australian athlete, stated:

As one of Cricket Australia’s multicultural ambassadors, I am honored to join the team. I see the game as a unifying force that fosters mutual respect, understanding, and harmony amongst diverse populations. We must go further as a sport to guarantee that the community is better and more fairly represented. To do this, we must provide opportunities, celebrate our common passion for the game, and encourage players from all walks of life to participate.”

Lisa Sthalekar, a former Australian player and cricket analyst, stated: “It is an amazing privilege to be a Cricket Australia Multicultural Ambassador. I get to appreciate and advocate for the variety that contributes to our sport’s vibrancy and inclusivity in my capacity. People from all backgrounds can come together through cricket, and I’m dedicated to creating an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to play the game and feels accepted.”

The ambassadors, who were appointed for a two-year term, are from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, including Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Indigenous Australian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Afghani groups. Distinguished public personalities, powerful corporate executives, and community advocates are among the ambassadors. A multidimensional approach to tackling the benefits and difficulties associated with diversity and inclusion in cricket and society at large is ensured by this diversified makeup.