The event brought together South Asian colleagues and allies from as far afield as Northumberland and Somerset in a powerful celebration of South Asian Heritage Month and the diversity that truly makes cricket a game for everyone.
Hosted at Gloucestershire Cricket Ground before England Men’s nine wicket T20 victory over India, the event opened with a valuable networking opportunity. Each attendee received a series of conversational prompts, including favourite cricketing memories and what the game means to them, to drive initial connections and engagement.
Attendees provided universally positive feedback on the event, which continued informally as England’s match with India progressed and helped to develop nationwide relationships across the South Asian community.
There were several highlights in the conversations focused on South Asian cricketing culture, including:
What was your favourite cricket memory?
Bhavya Doshi, digital content producer at Glamorgan CCC, said: “Watching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in 2024 with my teammates at my adopted home club in Cardiff – St Fagans CC – was special. Most of them are Welsh and, even though they love cricket, they probably hadn’t experienced the passion a South Asian person has for the game. To see me cry when India won the World Cup was quite emotional for them and brought us closer than ever.”
Prathamesh Kumble, operations administrator at Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, said: “Cricket has always been a defining part of my life. I had the privilege of captaining Oman in the ICC Division 1 and Division 2 U19 World Cup qualifiers, which remains one of my proudest memories in the game. Today, I feel incredibly grateful to not only contribute to the game off the field but also to continue learning how everything comes together behind the scenes. Cricket, for me, is more than just a sport: it’s a journey that has shaped who I am and continues to inspire me every day.”
What does cricket mean to you?
Shikhar Mehrotra, media assistant at Somerset CCC, said: “Cricket means a lot to me. As an Indian, I always dreamed of becoming a cricketer. Life had other plans, but I consider myself fortunate to work for one of the best county cricket clubs.”
Kajol Desai, senior community engagement/Cricket Cities lead at Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket Foundation, said: “Cricket has never been about playing professionally for me: it’s always been woven into life itself. It means childhood, connection, and some of my most cherished memories.
“Cricket was something I shared with my late grandad. Whether he was reminiscing about his own cricketing memories, coaching me as a child, watching matches on TV, or coming to support me when I played, cricket was the thing that brought him to life. It's the sport I most associate with our time together.
“And some of my happiest memories are also of visiting family in India and playing cricket with my cousins. So much would change each time we visited – the places, the routines, and even us as we grew older – but cricket was always the constant. No matter where we were, we'd find a way to play. A bat, a ball, a makeshift wicket, and suddenly there was connection, laughter, and shared understanding.
“Working in cricket today, I still feel connected to my grandad through the game. More than that, I see every day how cricket can bring people together. Whether it's someone picking up a bat for the first time, throwing a ball, or simply finding a sense of belonging through the sport, cricket remains a powerful tool for connection, opportunity, and doing good. In many ways, that's what the game means to me: not just a sport, but a thread that connects people, generations, and communities.”
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