Thriving cricket league creates meaningful connections for diverse communities | Syed Sibtain
2025 Dr GK Harinath OAM Sports Medal, sponsored by Cricket NSW
It’s Sunday in February. Sydney’s west is scorching hot.
Local cricket team, the Sydney Qalanders are hosting table toppers, the Sydney Scorpions, in the last league game before the semi-finals. The Scorpions are chasing. Smack! Another ball heads towards the boundary.
Watching on is Syed Sibtain. He cracks a smile as the ball rolls directly towards him. This game, these teams, and this league are all because of the vision he had when he arrived in Australia.
“I founded the Sydney Cricket League in 2016 to address the lack of structured opportunities for multicultural communities to connect through sport,” Syed says.
“I came to Sydney over a decade ago with a passion for sports management, particularly cricket, and a vision to create something meaningful.
“Growing up, I was always passionate about cricket.
“I dreamed of creating something professional for local communities so others could experience the joy and unity that cricket brings.”
Nine years on, Sydney Cricket League (SCL) has evolved into a two-division league with 48 teams and more than 1000 players from across Sydney.
“The league has provided a safe, inclusive space for thousands of players to compete,” Syed explains.
“They build friendships, integrate into the community and ultimately contribute to this beautiful multicultural country.”
Syed’s natural ability to connect with diverse cultural groups is undeniable. Across the SCL there’s players from South Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Pasifika communities.
He has taken a pragmatic approach to engagement. He makes communications available in language and uses social media to build the league’s links with the broader community.
To showcase the league’s diversity, Syed launched Cultural Celebration Series Players are invited to celebrate their culture by wearing traditional dress, bringing food, and organising music and dance performances at games.
“While sport can keep you fit, it’s also a great platform to learn more about how to be healthy in all aspects of your life,” Syed says.
“We organise health screenings, fitness workshops and mental health mentoring for players, their friends and families.”
Syed has also introduced a financial assistance program to help people experiencing hardship participate in the league.
He is currently doing an MBA in Sports Management at Torrens University. Not surprisingly, he’s been appointed as the Wellbeing Coordinator.
Moving forward, the plan is to build stronger connections with organisations like Cricket NSW to enhance SCL players’ experience.
“SCL has been a life-changing journey for me,” Syed says.
“It has allowed me to give back to the community, witness the positive impact of sports on individuals and families, and strengthen my leadership and organisational skills.
“One of the most inspiring stories is of a young player who migrated from Pakistan and was struggling to adjust to life in Australia.
“But through our league, he didn’t just find a team, he found a family. As soon as he started playing, he was quickly offered work through various contacts within the SCL fraternity.”
Syed is the winner of Multicultural NSW’s 2025 Dr GK Harinath OAM Sports Medal.
