M
elbourne KMCC delivered a tightly run and well-attended T10 Cricket Tournament, drawing strong participation from across the local cricket community and reinforcing the role of sport as a shared social anchor. With 15 teams competing across multiple grounds, the event combined competitive cricket with a broader community atmosphere built around food, music and conversation.
Western Tigers Cricket Club continued its strong form, securing the championship title for the second year in a row after a consistent run throughout the tournament. Wyndham Tuskers finished as runners-up, pushing the eventual winners with spirited performances that kept matches engaging for players and spectators alike. The short T10 format brought urgency to every over, rewarding sharp fielding, quick decision-making and teamwork.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by Members of Parliament Steve McGhie and Evan Mulholland, alongside Giulio Venditti, President of Sunshine Heights Cricket Club. Their presence reflected the growing recognition of community-led sporting initiatives and the role they play in connecting diverse groups through shared experiences. Organisers noted that the opening ceremony set a positive tone for the day, with players and volunteers alike responding to the sense of occasion.
KMCC Chairman Shiyas Khalid thanked all 15 participating teams for their commitment and sportsmanship, as well as the tournament sponsors, FLYWORLD Group, for their backing. He also acknowledged Brimbank Strikers Cricket Club for providing access to five cricket grounds, a logistical contribution that proved central to keeping the tournament on schedule. Khalid said the aim was to create a space where competition could sit comfortably alongside social interaction, allowing families and supporters to feel part of the day rather than observers on the sidelines.
A notable highlight was the participation of Indian cricketer and IPL player Basil Thampi, who represented Western Tigers during the tournament. His involvement attracted attention from younger players, many of whom saw it as a rare opportunity to share the field with a professional athlete. Khalid described Thampi’s presence as a genuine morale boost for aspiring cricketers, adding that such moments can leave a lasting impression beyond the scoreboard.
The trophy presentation was led by Karthik Arasu, President of the Australia India Sports Council, joined by Prince Abraham, CEO of Flyworld Group, and Jose. The ceremony reflected the collaborative nature of the event, bringing together sporting administrators, sponsors and organisers to close the day on a celebratory note.
Behind the scenes, much of the success rested on the efforts of KMCC’s volunteer team. Members including Hilal, Ajees, Haris, Illyas, Faseeh, Manu, Rishal, Riyas, Saleem, Shabeeb, Shameer, Swafdil, Asif and Gadhafi coordinated match operations, ground logistics and food service through the KMCC kitchen. Their coordination ensured that matches ran smoothly and that players and visitors were well looked after throughout the day.
Feedback from teams and supporters has been encouraging, with many pointing to the balance between organisation and atmosphere as a defining strength. Organisers say this response has already sparked discussions about expanding the tournament next year, both in scale and in the range of activities offered alongside the cricket.
For KMCC, the tournament served as a reminder that community sport thrives when planning, partnerships and volunteer effort align. While the trophies marked individual achievement, the broader takeaway was the sense of connection built across clubs, families and supporters, setting a solid foundation for future editions of the event.
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