This week on display was a spirited cricket mateship with an U13s match between Northern Districts (NDs) and visiting boys from the Adams and Mandan Lal cricket academies in India.
The match took place at Heffron Park in Maroubra, with the Australian and Indian cricketing communities coming together in a unique cultural exchange.
The Heffron Park match, a 40-overs-a-side event, was just one example of the rich talent emerging from both nations. It also highlighted the importance of mentoring, funding and access to facilities for young athletes.
Bruce Adams, Director of Adams Cricket Academy, is known for leading team of former first-class players and coaches in hosting children from remote areas of India.
His initiative is part of the academy’s ongoing efforts to provide high-quality training, mentoring, and education, helping young talents achieve their dreams both on and off the cricket field.
“The cricketing world is an amazing place,” Adams shared on LinkedIn. “Most of my lifetime friends I’ve met through this great game.”
Adams’ passion for the sport is evident as he continues to mentor aspiring cricketers from multicultural backgrounds, offering them opportunities to shine in cricket and beyond.
The success of the event, however, extended far beyond the game itself. The day was marked by the generous involvement of parents and volunteers, who made the Indian visitors feel welcome and supported.
Among the volunteers was Dr Lurion De Mello, an economist and cricket enthusiast, who dedicated his annual leave to be a part of the event.
“What better way to spend my day than at this incredible match,” Dr De Mello said.
“It’s not often that we see aspiring Indian teenagers make it to our shores – it’s usually the other way around, with Australian players heading to India. This was a rare and significant occasion.”
Dr De Mello praised Randwick City Council for an excellent pitch and ground that remained dry, all thanks to the excellent drainage system despite the unpredictable weather.
“Kudos to the council! Special thanks also to Cricket NSW and Suffan Hassan for helping us secure this beautiful ground in Maroubra,” Dr De Mello added.
Dr De Mello expressed his gratitude to his employer, Macquarie University, and its Widening Participation team, for their contribution.
“A big thank you to Macquarie University and my colleagues for their efforts. Many of these boys come from low socio-economic backgrounds, and the joy and excitement they experienced today were priceless.”
The significance of such exchanges, Dr De Mello added, lies in their ability to strengthen the Australia-India cultural bond, a relationship he hopes will continue to grow in the future. “Bruce Adams and Kunal Lall, till we meet again. Let’s keep this bond strong.”
Kunal Madanlal Sharma, coach of the Indian U13s team and Director of Matchcraft Sports Management, is equally passionate about the role education plays in a young cricketer’s development.
Sharma, a former first-class cricketer who played for Delhi’s U-16 and U-19 teams, runs the Amenity Madan Lal Residential Cricket School in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, which is dedicated to offering grassroots training to young cricketers, with the support of Indian cricketing legends like Kapil Dev and Madan Lal.
As Dr De Mello summed up: “What a satisfying day! Months of planning, and we were rewarded with not just a great game but also the joy of seeing these young boys thrive. Let’s continue to support these cross-border initiatives and nurture the talent not only in India but also here in Australia.”
The Western Sydney Indian subcontinent diaspora community too came out in force to support and contribute to the match, making it a true celebration of cricket and cultural unity.
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