A community cricket initiative in Canberra's north is transforming female spectators into active players, challenging traditional roles and fostering multicultural connections. The Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association (IAMSA), founded eight years ago by Sanjay and Jasmine Sharma, has been running programs to get women from diverse backgrounds onto the pitch.
Jasmine Sharma noticed that while many women watched local games, few participated. The couple, who met at university in India, launched IAMSA from their Gungahlin home to help recent migrants and other sports lovers meet, share culture, and improve cricket skills. Their female-focused venture, playfully called 'from kitchen to crease,' has drawn women aged 13 to 50 who had never played before.
'If you know how a bat looks, we will train you,' Jasmine said, emphasizing willingness over experience. The program's success has inspired girls and grandparents to join, creating a multi-generational sporting community. Since 2017, IAMSA has fielded a women's team for the McGrath Foundation's Pink Stump Day fundraiser, and in late 2023, partnered with the Australian International Sports Organisation for a free coaching clinic for 20 women and girls.
Bonner resident Pallavi Singh joined IAMSA for a charity match and was motivated to stay active. 'They inspired us with practical ideas for how I could actually do it,' she said, noting the program's focus on wellbeing and community for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people. Her daughter now trains weekly with IAMSA, gaining confidence and resilience.
Despite Canberra's cold winters, dedicated players continue to set up stumps on icy ovals. The Sharmas' vision of teaching mothers to inspire generations is proving successful, with women moving from the kitchen to the crease and beyond.
