How Kesh is cultivating cricket opportunities among the NT's Indigenous communities

India-born, Kesh Keerthi regards cricket as a religion, but he is now leveraging the sport to foster stronger connections within the Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory. His efforts involve actively promoting increased participation in cricket, especially among women and children.

India-born Kesh Keerthi lives in the Northern Territory and is bringing communities together through cricket. Credit: Kesh Keerthi

Key Points

• India-born Kesh Keerthi works as the participation and growth lead at Northern Territory Cricket.
• Mr Keerthi notes that only a small number of individuals from First Nations communities have had the opportunity to represent Australia in Test cricket.
• He highlights numerous challenges in effectively promoting the game within the communities of central Australia.

Currently, the Imparja Cup and the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, scheduled for February this year, stand as the primary cricket tournaments for the Indigenous community.

Numerous cricket initiatives in the Northern Territory are dedicated to advancing the sport, which is one of the most-watched games globally.

However, until recently, very few people from First Nations communities had been selected to represent Australia in Test cricket.

After relocating from Queensland, Kesh Keerthi has become actively engaged in cricket programs and said he realised he could serve as a bridge connecting the Indigenous community with one of the top most-watched sports globally.

"As of now, only a small number of Indigenous cricket players, like Scott Boland and D'Arcy Short, have represented Australia, and this sport has a significant journey ahead to establish itself within the NT communities," Keerthi said.

Group of female Indigenous players from across the Northern Territory. Credit: NT Cricket Facebook page

"The interest is now growing, and programs such as (the) Woolworths Cricket Blast are playing a crucial role in boosting enrolments and fostering interest within the community."

Shane Franey, one of the founders of the Imparja Cup, highlighted that cricket had to contend with football, which garnered more interest from communities.

"We require a cricket academy in this area to foster the game, but initiatives such as the Imparja Cup are playing their part. Three players from this tournament went on to represent Australia," Franey told SBS Hindi.

Scott Boland, a fast bowler, became one of the few Indigenous Australian cricketers to play against England in the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Other players who have risen to fame include Dan Christian and D’Arcy Short.

The Woolworths Cricket Blast is aimed at involving children aged five to 12 in cricket activities.

Role in Northern Territory cricket

After earning his master's degree in sports management and social work from Queensland, Keerthi began his role as a participation and growth lead for NT Cricket last year.

Kesh Keerthi, a passionate cricketer, migrated to Australia as an international student. Credit: Kesh Keerthi

"In Alice Springs, our focus has been on implementing various strategies to increase the participation of Northern Territory community members in cricket, with a particular emphasis on women and children," Keerthi stated.

"We've effectively increased involvement, witnessing enrolment growth from over 30 kids last year to 56 kids this year," he said, adding, "Twelve per cent of them are from the Indigenous community, and some are also now associated with local councils."

Kesh Keerthi was involved in the Woolsworth Cricket Blast Program in the Northern Territory. Credit: Kesh Keerthi

He emphasised that cricket had the potential to serve as a platform for young Indigenous men and women to express and exhibit their culture, fostering connections with other communities.

"Currently, I am visiting primary schools to promote and expose the community to this sport which is less popular as compared to AFL," he mentioned.

"In the month of February, we will be hosting the Imparja Cup in Alice Springs. My responsibility involves promoting the sport through engaging game-based activities and structuring the program to ensure that children acquire the essential skills to advance to a junior cricket program. All of this is designed to be enjoyable for the participants."

What are the challenges?

Keerthi highlighted numerous challenges in effectively promoting the game within the communities of central Australia, especially remote areas.

"AFL enjoys greater popularity in this region, with many from the community participating in elite games. Conversely, cricket encounters challenges stemming from limited resources, staffing issues, and a scarcity of role models in this sport," he said.

Kesh Keerthi feels that the Indian diaspora can play in important role in promoting cricket in remote regions of Australia. Credit: Kesh Keerthi

Keerthi said that he was the only individual hired by NT Cricket to fulfil this specific role for cricket in the Alice Springs and Central Australian communities.

"My role is focused on seeking out those who want to participate in playing, encouraging them to join and engage, but we need more youths to promote the sport," he said.

"There is a significant population of Indians, including students who can actively participate and contribute to this endeavour.

"In India, we have the concept of gully cricket (backyard cricket), and it can serve as a crucial factor in promoting the sport in remote areas."

As of now, Keerthi said his aspiration for the future was to witness increased participation in the game from these regions, particularly among young people, women, and Indigenous communities.

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