Migrating to a new country is often a difficult experience, but thanks to the work of community-based cricket leagues and teams, many new migrants to Australia are beating feelings of isolation.
Many players representing their country of origin in Melbourne Stars' Community Cricket League, have suffered significant hardship and felt isolated as a result.
SBS Gujarati speaks with a few talented youngsters who have not only continued to play their favourite game in Australia, but managed to achieve significant success in the sport.
Naji is representing Afghanistan in Melbourne Stars' cricket league. Source: SBS Gujarati
Naji, raring to play for Afghanistan
Due to the conflict in his home country, Naji Mossavi, from Quetta, Pakistan, came to Australia on a protection visa. Along with his mother, two sisters and younger brother, Mossavi arrived in Australia in February 2014.
Mossavi recently took part in the multicultural Melbourne Stars League's selection trials to represent Afghanistan, his country of birth.
Asked about his passion for the game, Mossavi tells SBS Gujarati, "I started playing cricket at the age of six, but it was just for fun."
"When I had to move here, my craze for the game was not affected - I wanted to join any team, but nobody guided me," Mossavi says. "One day, I saw some boys playing cricket in my school. I went to them and joined their team and convinced my parents to let me play professional cricket... After that, I played for several clubs and sharpened my cricketing skills there."
Mossavi played cricket for Shepperton and Dandenong West Cricket Club, and came to know about the All Nations Social Cricket program for players who are seeking asylum and already in Australia.
He has since been playing as a right arm fast bowler with All Nations Social Cricket for two years and has taken almost 60 wickets in various tournaments with the best performance of four wickets for 30 runs.
Shiva bats for Sri Lanka in the league
Shiva, a promising young cricketer from Sri Lanka, moved to Australia in 2012 with his uncle. His love for professional cricket began at the age of nine, and later he went on to play for various clubs in his hometown in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka.
"I was eager to play cricket here in Australia, but I did not have the proper knowledge about joining any club, until my case manager suggested I join Sunshine Heights Cricket Club," says Shiva. "I appeared in their selection trial, and I got selected. Since then, I am playing for the club."
This 22-year-old right-hand opening batsman joined the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club in 2013, and has scored almost 15 half centuries in various competitions. His hard work and dedication to the game gave him a chance to represent his country Sri Lanka in the multicultural Melbourne Stars League too.
Most of the participating players arrived in Australia on a protection visa and have found a way to nurture their love for the game by joining the All Nations Social Cricket program.
Taking about the All Nations Social Cricket and their vision, Sport for All Community Ambassador, Abdul Razzaq tells SBS Gujarati, "We involve isolated players into cricket and give them the opportunity to express themselves... Our main aim is to create a space to socialize for new arrivals who are at risk of depression."
Sport for All Community Ambassador Abdul Razzaq. Source: SBS Gujarati
Many of the cricket enthusiasts who have migrated to Australia due to conflict in their home countries found a way to be connected to the game.
According to Razzaq, "There are 50 to 60 players playing through the program with a motto of Don't Give up, give Back."
