Northern Territory Cricket is delighted to confirm its involvement in the 2024 Multicultural Cup, returning to support the event previously known as the Asia Cup.
Multicultural Cup Returns In 2024
The 2024 Multicultural Cup will be held over the first three weekends in October, with several fixtures scheduled for DXC Arena including the opening match under lights on Friday 4 October.
An initiative in line with Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Action Plan, the event aims to promote inclusivity and drive greater connection amongst the various communities of the Territory.
Previously volunteer-led, this season NT Cricket will manage and administer the round robin tournament and build on the excellent work of long-time local player, coach and volunteer Udara Weerasinghe.
To further celebrate the diversity and multiculturism of the Territory, this year the Multicultural Cup will consist of teams representing their communities and countries of origin.
Ten teams will compete under national sides representing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Australia.
Cricket Australia recently released its Multicultural Action Plan, with 10 key actions including a goal to increase South Asian registered players by 30,000 in four years.
The Multicultural Action Plan highlighting the Northern Territory as having the highest percentage of residents in the country with one or more parent born overseas (61%).
Northern Territory Cricket is committed to bringing the diverse and rapidly growing cricket community here in the Territory closer and closer together, and the Multicultural Cup is a great vehicle to achieve that.
Nick Winter, Head of Cricket said:
“We’re pleased to confirm the 2024 Multicultural Cup and look forward to celebrating the diverse and rich cultures of our community throughout the tournament.
“It’s an exciting time for cricket in the Territory, our sport is making phenomenal progress typified by the recent crowds between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Top End Series.
“The Multicultural Cup is one of several initiatives aimed at providing further opportunities cricketers who call the Top End home.”
Gurnam Singh, Cricket Australia Multicultural Ambassador said:
“Bringing the community together and ensuring all backgrounds feel represented is crucial to the success of cricket in Australia.
“Creating opportunities for multicultural members of the community to engage with cricket is a core objective of Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Action Plan.
“I commend NT Cricket for embracing the diverse cultures of the Territory and encourage all cricketers to support what promises to be another exceptional tournament.
Udara Weerasinghe, NT Strike Assistant Coach said:
“The success of the Multicultural Cup has been driven by a shared love of cricket, thank you to all the volunteers who have given their time and effort to help build the competition to this point.
“The multicultural community of the Northern Territory has an incredible passion for cricket and I’m looking forward to the competition continuing its growth with the fantastic support of NT Cricket.