New Fawad Ahmed Cup a resounding success

The event is aimed at establishing positive relationships through cricket while creating role models amongst year seven and eight Islamic school students.

Ahmed is the first Muslim cricketer to play for Victoria and said the Cup provided a chance for students to enjoy their cricket.

“This is a great opportunity for young Muslim boys and girls from diverse Islamic schools to participate in a safe and friendly environment and positively express themselves through cricket,” Ahmed said.

Female Participation Officer Aimee White said it was fantastic to see girls involved and to see them enjoying the day so much.

“To see them hitting 6’s, taking spectacular catches and enjoying the day was a sight to see,” White said.

“It was played in great spirits and was a huge success. The majority of girls will move onto the Girls’ cricket Leagues in the Northern region now.”

Multicultural Participation Coordinator Hussain Hanif said it was a great turnout, particularly at this time of year.

“The Fawad Ahmed Cup was a great success with 90 girls and boys representing their schools playing in a cricket carnival in the middle of winter, it’s fantastic,” Hanif said.

“To also have the Victorian Government involved with VICKY, the government truck that interactively promotes multiculturalism, was fantastic.

“Cricket is a brilliant vehicle for these students to become involved in their local community at club level, and to meet people from different cultures, which I believe is crucial.”

Daniel Saleh, Sports Coordinator at Al Siraat College, said the day offered students from his school exposure to a sport they’re not used to while also creating enjoyment.

He also said having Ahmed involved offered the students an opportunity to learn from his experiences.

“It was brilliant having Fawad there. It is sometimes impossible to give students motivation to succeed unless they can see that it has been done before,” Saleh said.

After the success of the inaugural event Cricket Victoria hopes to grow the initiative and involve more students and schools.

The girls’ overall cup winner was Islamic College of Melbourne and the Most Valuable Player was Sadiqah Fatima from Al Siraat College.

The boy’s overall cup winner was Al Siraat College and the Most Valuable Player was Ali Tahir from Al Siraat College

If you are interested in being a part of the next Fawad Ahmed Cup please contact Hussain Hanif at hhanif@cricketvictoria.com.au