It’s not just cricket: AIBC Victoria hosts dialogue on culture, cohesion and business

Melbourne, August 28 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) Victoria brought together leaders from sport, diplomacy, business, and government for a thoughtprovoking evening titled “It’s Not Just Cricket – Community, Culture & Cohesion.”

Held at the Olympian Room, State Sports Centre, and delivered in partnership with the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, the event explored how cricket shapes identity, fosters inclusion and belonging in multicultural Australia, and continues to strengthen the Australia–India partnership.

Panelists included rising cricketer Hasrat Gill (BBL Thunder, Victoria State Team, Australian U19 World Cup), Giles Gunesekera OAM, CEO of Global Impact Initiative and Cricket Australia Ambassador, Molina Asthana GAICD, AIBC Sports, Arts & Culture Chapter Head and Cricket Australia Ambassador, and writer Vanessa Murray.

The evening also welcomed special guests: Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne, Melissa Kay, Regional Director, Department of Home Affairs, Pradeep Tiwari, Mayor of Maribyrnong, Shivali Chately, City of Greater Bendigo, and Brad Battin MP.

Through personal stories and shared insights, speakers highlighted how cricket extends far beyond the boundary line – serving as a bridge for communities, a platform for cultural expression, and a driver of stronger bilateral ties between Australia and India.