Cricket Australia named former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri among Australia”s multicultural brand ambassadors for two years.

The inaugural list includes Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram along with Usman Khawaja, Mel Jones, Lisa Sthalekar, Kishwar Chowdhury, Alana King, Peter Varghese, Swati Dave, and Fawad Ahmed.

The diverse line-up of ambassadors represents a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds with representatives selected from Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Indigenous Australian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Afghani communities. It includes many past and present players, along with community leaders, who will champion diversity and support the goals outlined in the Multicultural Action Plan.

“We are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic and diverse group as Multicultural Ambassadors. Their collective leadership, expertise and passion will be instrumental in driving meaningful change and fostering a more inclusive cricketing community,” said Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.

“The Multicultural Ambassador Program represents Cricket Australia’s unwavering commitment to creating a sport that reflects contemporary Australian society and embraces individuals from all backgrounds.

“Through collaboration and collective action, the program aims to ensure that cricket remains a welcoming and inclusive sport for all.”

Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja and former Australia women cricketer Lisa Sthalekar reflected on their involvement in the roles.

“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,” Khawaja said.

“It’s a role that allows me to celebrate and promote the diversity that makes our sport so vibrant and inclusive,” Lisa mentioned.