Ex-ICC official Brendan McClements brings Pro Kabaddi League to Melbourne

Ahead of the upcoming season of Pro Kabaddi League 2024, former ICC office bearer Brendan McClements joins hands with the brand to promote the sport in Melbourne. He is now leading a new chapter in Melbourne’s sports culture by introducing the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) to the city.

A seasoned sports administrator, McClements’ journey from handling the media for the legendary Australian cricket team of the early 2000s to spearheading tourism and sports initiatives as CEO of Visit Victoria is nothing short of remarkable.

McClements first made his mark on the international sports scene when he accompanied the Australian cricket team to India in 2001. That series, remembered for India’s incredible comeback led by Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman, left a lasting impression on him. “I came with the team in 2001. The welcome was incredible – I remember walking out with Mark Waugh to 10,000 cheering fans at the Mumbai airport at 11 PM. It was my first taste of India’s love for cricket.”

Brendan McClements’ journey with ICC

His career path took him from Cricket Australia to the ICC, where he served as General Manager of Corporate Affairs. However, his passion for promoting sports and tourism eventually led him to his current role at Visit Victoria, where he now helps showcase Melbourne to the world. According to McClements, Melbourne is Australia’s best city, particularly when it comes to food, culture, and sports, and he sees sports as a vital aspect of the city’s international appeal.

Now, McClements is looking to expand Melbourne's sporting horizon with kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport. With Melbourne’s sizable Indian community, the introduction of kabaddi seems to be a natural fit. McClements emphasizes the cultural connection the sport fosters between the Indian diaspora and Australia. “We tested it with the women’s edition of the PKL, and it was well received. There are about a million people in Australia of Indian descent, and they follow kabaddi closely,” he said.

Bringing the Pro Kabaddi League to Melbourne is not just about adding another sport to the city’s busy schedule; it's about celebrating the diversity of the Indian community and further strengthening ties between India and Australia. McClements also hinted that the PKL season could align with the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) later this year.