Embracing diversity
Bulleen Templestowe Cricket Club has embraced diversity in cricket by joining forces with a local community team.
Hailing from the Aga Khan Ismaili Muslim community prayer group, the team comprises of 14 young men with Indian, Pakistan and African backgrounds.
Having played indoor cricket and in a social competition, the community team decided that they wanted to be affiliated with a recognised club.
After making contact with BTCC’s President Dominic Pius, a pre-season indoor match was scheduled between the senior side and the team, providing an opportunity to meet players and engage in the club.
“The inclusion of the community team aligns with the club’s strategy for growth and greater exposure within the community,” Pius said.
“We are excited at the prospect of discovering new talent and promoting diversity.”
Due to the availability of players being limited, the club decided to enroll their new team in the Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association’s Twenty20 competition.
“They lost their first game,” Pius said.
“However, in the process they learnt a few valuable cricketing lessons including fielding placements, the importance of overrate in the field and so on.”
Having won their next two games, the team earned a semi-final appearance against Syndal Cricket Club, where they would fall 94-runs short of victory.
“Nine of the 14 players in our team have never played club cricket before,” captain Imran Mamani said.
“So for us to make a semi-final was a big achievement.”
Aside from playing in the competition, the community team has also gained access to the Ted Ajani Clubrooms.
With support from Manningham Council, the Clubrooms recently underwent a major redevelopment, giving the team the chance to access brand new facilities.
Along with the playing and training experiences, the team has also learnt a lot from being involved in a club environment.
“Having lived in both India and Australia I’ve seen a difference between cultures and approaching the game,” Mamani said
“We have learnt a lot from the guys at BTCC and hope to continue our strong relationship.”
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