Cricket Australia released its multicultural action plan on Friday, identifying the fast growing South Asian community as an integral part of its expansion plans.
The plan sets out 10 key actions which include funding and support to increase representation in key roles such as coaching and umpiring across all levels.
Funding will be available to all multicultural groups and will help drive participation, attendance and other forms of engagement from people of all backgrounds.
Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said the plan will enhance existing measures and ensure the game is welcoming, inclusive and fully representative of the population.
"We couldn't be stronger that we want to make every single cricket environment, whether that's clubs, playing, coaching, administering, just the most inclusive places we possibly can," Mr Hockley told reporters on Friday.
Usman Khawaja has welcomed the launch of a multicultural action plan for Australian cricket. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
Cricket superstar Usman Khawaja said the issue was one that was very close to his heart.
"I'm very Australian, but I grew up very subcontinental," Khawaja said.
"The things I had to deal with growing up were very different than things that other teammates in my era had to grow up with, and I've always found it very hard to relate to my teammates in some respects, but also with my coaches."
"Hopefully this will be a legacy that lasts long into the future where we can see greater representation, both male and female, in Australian cricket."
The ruling body is setting growth targets in the South Asian community after a stellar turnout during the 2022 Men's T20 Cricket World Cup where more than 150,000 fans attended the two games featuring India and Pakistan.
Usman Khawaja and Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley at the launch of a multicultural action plan. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
Cricket Australia is looking to harness that momentum to double the number of people from South Asian backgrounds attending cricket matches from 100,000 to 200,000.
An objective to increase the number of those from the community registered to play the sport by 30,000 in four years has been set.
The number of junior players with South Asian backgrounds in the sport's pathway teams has substantially grown in recent years, accounting for almost one in five of all players.
Cricket Australia aspires to keep the junior players progressing to higher levels, with an aim to almost double the number of people from South Asian backgrounds in first class, state and territory and W/BBL teams to eight per cent by 2027.
The plan is one of four set up by Cricket Australia to address issues including reconciliation, women and girls and sustainability.
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