Cricket supports diversity

This summer, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) proudly showcased the success of its "Taste of Cricket" campaign, a vibrant initiative that embraced the rich diversity of cultures within the game. Over 2,000 people gathered at recreational cricket clubs across England and Wales, as the campaign, part of the ECB’s Raising the Game platform, highlighted cricket's unique connection with food as a powerful way to unite communities.

The Taste of Cricket campaign was designed with the goal of making everyone feel welcome in the world of cricket, whether as players, volunteers, or fans. By focusing on the cherished tradition of match teas, the campaign strengthened bonds within communities, celebrating the way food brings people together. The events featured a delicious array of dishes, from Caribbean Jerk Chicken and rum cake to Afghan Kabuli Pulao and Indian Vegetable Biryani, representing the diverse cultures that enrich the sport.

Cricket: A Sport for Everyone

At the heart of the campaign lies a fundamental belief: cricket is a sport to be enjoyed by everyone. It is a game that allows all individuals to engage with every aspect of the sport authentically, reflecting the diversity of our communities, whether in Australia, the UK, or beyond. As the ECB strives to inspire a love for cricket in everyone, its diversity and inclusion initiatives aim to create environments where individuals feel welcome and safe to play, watch, follow, work, or volunteer in cricket as their authentic selves.

The broader vision for Australian cricket, mirrored in this campaign, is to be a sport that all Australians can take pride in—one where every individual sees themselves genuinely reflected in all aspects of the game. This vision encompasses not just what happens on the field, but also extends to local clubs, cricket administration, workplaces within the sport, the crowd, media coverage, publicity, promotion, and broadcasting, as well as representative cricket teams.

A Summer of Culinary Celebrations

Throughout the summer, several cricketing stars, including England’s Chris Jordan, Emma Lamb, and Phil Salt, visited clubs across England and Wales, accompanied by celebrity chefs like Ainsley Harriott, Chris Bavin, and Angelica Bell. These visits added a special touch to the campaign, which began with an exciting event at Holyport Cricket Club. England Men’s Deaf bowler James O’Connor, alongside rising star Josh Tongue, kicked off the first of eight flagship events, where the likes of 2017 ODI World Cup winner Fran Wilson and England Men’s Visually Impaired captain Ed Hossell also joined in the festivities.

At each event, local communities were invited to experience a wide variety of cuisines, reflecting the multicultural nature of the game. More than 12 different cultural dishes were showcased at match tea events, ranging from Sri Lankan and Caribbean to Welsh, Afghan, and Pakistani flavours. Over the course of the eight events, supported by Remitly, more than 500 samosas were savoured, along with 800 portions of jerk chicken and 150 perfectly grilled Welsh lamb chops. The culinary celebrations were further enriched by 30 varieties of curry, 20 types of bread, and over 300 slices of cake.

Beyond the food, Taste of Cricket also promoted inclusivity within the sport, inviting hundreds of people from local communities to enjoy the cricket matches and the shared experience of match teas. The campaign underscored the role of food in breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging within the cricket community.

Voices from the Campaign

England’s Chris Jordan, who attended the Taste of Cricket event at Shepherds Bush Cricket Club, shared his thoughts on the occasion. He expressed that the opportunity to explore different cuisines and cultures through the iconic match tea was truly special and unique to cricket. He remarked that sampling the amazing food that defines Shepherds Bush Cricket Club and meeting its dedicated members was an unforgettable experience.

Natalie Raja, President of Bushy Park Girls Cricket Club, also reflected on the event. She mentioned that hosting one of the ECB’s Taste of Cricket events was an honour. Over the years, the club has worked tirelessly to create an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome to try cricket. She emphasised that just as cricket is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, food is a great equaliser, and it was a joy to see the event bring communities together.

Kate Miller, the ECB’s Chief Communications Officer, highlighted the deep connection between cricket and food, noting that cricket is one of the few sports where play pauses for a meal. She praised the clubs involved in the Taste of Cricket campaign for their remarkable efforts in making the game more inclusive and diverse. The past few months, she said, have been a brilliant celebration of the powerful bond between cricket and food, demonstrating their ability to unite communities.

England’s Adil Rashid MBE added his perspective, sharing that food has always been an important part of his life, especially as someone of Pakistani heritage. He fondly recalled that many of his favourite memories revolve around family mealtimes. Being part of a sport that celebrates different cuisines and cultures in such a unique way, he said, is truly special.

Looking Ahead

This summer, Remitly, a money transfer remittance service, also contributed to the campaign by offering 100 community clubs, known for promoting diversity and inclusion, a chance to participate. These clubs received a Taste of Cricket hamper, complete with a supermarket voucher, picnic goodies, and recipes to enhance their own match teas.

Looking ahead, many of the dishes served at the flagship events will be featured in the upcoming Taste of Cricket cookbook, set to be released in October. The cookbook will showcase recipes from tea-making volunteers, professional players, and celebrity fans, offering a unique culinary journey through the heart of cricket.

The Taste of Cricket campaign visited several grassroots clubs that exemplify the spirit of inclusivity and community, including Holyport Cricket Club in Berkshire, King Cross Junior Cricket Club in Yorkshire, KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club in Lancashire, Llandaff Cricket Club in Cardiff, Shepherds Bush Cricket Club in London, Bushy Park Girls Cricket Club in Middlesex, and Exwick Cricket Club in Exeter. These clubs have each made significant contributions to making cricket accessible and welcoming to all, demonstrating the powerful impact of the sport and its deep connection to diverse communities. 

Australian cricket, like the game across England and Wales, will only truly achieve its vision of being a sport for all when every Australian sees themselves genuinely reflected in every facet of the sport, from the grassroots to the grand stage.