Cricket Victoria is proud of the rich cultural diversity in our game, which forms a key pillar in our mission to ensure cricket is inclusive for all Victorians. With over 290 languages and 314 different ancestries in Victoria alone, cricket has proved to be an important ingredient that brings different cultures together, thanks to the […]
Cricket Victoria is proud of the rich cultural diversity in our game, which forms a key pillar in our mission to ensure cricket is inclusive for all Victorians.
With over 290 languages and 314 different ancestries in Victoria alone, cricket has proved to be an important ingredient that brings different cultures together, thanks to the passion so many have for the sport.
Throughout season 2024-25 across Victoria, 21% of Woolworths Cricket Blast participants said they identify as being from a South Asian background, while across Junior Cricket, this number rose to 24% of participants.
Cricket Victoria Head of Participation Owen Hulett said that, as a sport that people from all walks of life can enjoy, cricket has the power to unite Victoria's diverse communities, create opportunities and bring people together through the shared enjoyment of the game.
"By embracing players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans from different cultures, genders and abilities, cricket provides diverse communities with multiple ways to participate and ensures the game is truly representative of those it serves," said Hulett.
Cricket Victoria is committed to making cricket accessible to all communities and has recently launched pilot Tape Ball cricket programs-an inclusive, modified version of the game-across targeted areas to create new opportunities for diverse participation.
Tape Ball Cricket utilises a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape alongside minimal equipment, allowing the game to be played anywhere, anytime.
Cricket Victoria Multicultural Participation Specialist Omkar Vechalekar explained that Tape Ball cricket originated in Pakistan and has since gained increasing popularity across the sub-continent.
"The social nature of Tape Ball cricket brings communities together and allows for players of all ages to participate without needing expensive equipment or facilities," said Vechalekar.
"In social settings, when different cultures assimilate, it fosters deeper understanding for people of different backgrounds allowing people to socialise and cohabitate in harmony."
"Tape Ball cricket removes all barriers making it easy for people from all cultures, backgrounds and genders to engage with sport. The relaxed atmosphere of social games enables women to play alongside men or form their own teams without judgement or exclusion."
