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Melbourne Cricket Ground (Source: X)
Cricket Australia appointed the former cricket stars Wasim Akram and Ravi Shastri from India and Pakistan to the 54-person 'Multicultural Ambassadors Program' on Wednesday, May 22. 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 inclusivity and encourage constructive change in the sport and community at large.
"Cricket Australia is proud to launch its Multicultural Ambassador Program, naming 54 people with diverse backgrounds and experience across government, business, sport, media and community as the inaugural representatives," said a statement from the board.
Several prominent figures from the past and present, as well as leaders from the industry, 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 inaugural ambassadors.
'I am proud to sign on as one of Cricket Australia's Multicultural Ambassadors' - Usman Khawaja on signing the agreement
The five focal areas of Australian Cricket's Multicultural Action Plan are Participation, High Performance, People and Representation, Communications and Engagement, and Event and Experience. It will be spearheaded by the ambassadors, who come from the government, business, community, media, and cricket.
"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," said Khawaja.