The partnership will set a global stage for students to shine across Big Bash League and Women's Big Bash League matches.
This Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season marks an exciting extension of the partnership between RMIT University and Cricket Victoria.
RMIT will be a presenting partner of the Melbourne Derby, which will feature four BBL and WBBL matches between the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars.
The RMIT Melbourne Derby will see RMIT featured across dugout and Toblerone signage for the Renegades, ball kids and the creation of the RMIT Melbourne Derby Trophy.
The rivalry matches will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Marvel Stadium and the CitiPower Centre at Junction Oval, which are all iconic Melbourne sporting grounds.
India's women's national cricket team captain and Melbourne Renegade, Harmanpreet Kaur, is excited to be playing back in Melbourne for the local Derby.
"[The MCG] is a great stadium to play. I think the last time I played here was the ICC T20 final against Australia. It was a great game. More than 86,000 people were here to watch women's cricket," said Kaur.
"Hopefully this Saturday we'll see so many fans come and watch us, this Melbourne Renegades and Stars game being so special for this tournament. So really looking forward to it."
RMIT students will have the opportunity to design and develop the Melbourne Derby Trophy. It be presented in front of a global audience of cricket fans at the MCG, a stone's throw away from RMIT's City campus.
Sophie Day, Australian cricketer for the Stars in the WBBL, is a proud Melbournian who completed her own study journey in the heart of the city.
"I think education and sport play a massive role in the environment and the culture of Melbourne," said Day.
"It's the place that people want to be a part of. They want to come here. They want to learn. They want to be diverse. It's exciting. And I think mixing the two together only promotes that further."
Harmanpreet Kaur added that studying in Australia helps international students build a global perspective.
"So many Indians love to come to Australia for study and for work because this country offers so many things, whether it's sports or study or even the tourism.
"I think it's a great opportunity if people come here and study because education is something which is very important for all of us."
RMIT Chief Experience Officer Chaminda Ranasinghe, Renegade all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur, Star cricketer Sophie Day and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice-President Mish Eastman celebrate the announcement that RMIT will be a presenting partner of the Melbourne Derby.
RMIT's partnership with Cricket Victoria goes back to 2018-19, when RMIT was the Official Community Partner and Education Provider to the Melbourne Renegades.
RMIT Chief Experience Officer Chaminda Ranasinghe remembers the rivalry fondly.
"The rivalry is real, highlighted by when both BBL teams were in the final in 2019. It's fantastic to now be backing both Melbourne teams, given RMIT's connection to this great city. I cant wait to see our World Cup winning Stars like Maxwell and Stoinis take on Zampa and Finch from the Renegades," said Ranasinghe.
Looking ahead, RMIT's partnership with Cricket Victoria will be even brighter for students who have a passion for the sport.
"It's really exciting to be expanding the partnership across education, research and our global community," said Ranasinghe.
It is expected to deliver more practical learning experiences for students, greater community engagement and sustainability research opportunities.
Mish Eastman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice-President, said that she is thrilled by the expanding partnership.
"The partnership is not just across the business of sport, fan activation and really understanding how the corporate world works in a sporting environment," said Eastman.
