Sydney Thunder’s commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities through cricket was on full display over the last two weeks, with two vibrant Tape Ball Carnivals delivered in Dubbo and Bankstown as part of the Club’s growing community programs.
Australian and NSW stars get behind Sydney Thunder Tape Ball Carnivals
Former Australian and NSW players Jason Krejza and Sammy-Jo Johnson were on hand in Western Sydney as the Sydney Thunder Tape Ball Festival took place at Bankstown Oval. The event broke new ground as Thunder’s first-ever tape ball competition played on turf and the first official cricket event under lights at the historic venue.
A six-team senior tournament took place alongside junior clinics and activations, creating a true festival-style environment that catered to players of all ages. More than 50 senior participants took part, with strong representation from the local Pakistani community, while 30 juniors participated in skills stations and colour bash activities on the adjacent Grahame Thomas Oval.
Suffan Hassan, Cricket NSW Multicultural Engagement Specialist, said:
“Events like the Sydney Thunder Tape Ball Festival are incredibly important because they break down barriers to entry and meet communities where they are most comfortable.
“Tape ball cricket is deeply rooted in many South Asian cultures, particularly the Pakistani community. Bringing that format into a structured environment and onto a venue like Bankstown Oval creates a powerful sense of belonging and connection to the wider game.
“Looking ahead, we would love to see this continue to grow by expanding into more regions and creating clearer pathways from social formats like tape ball into club cricket.”
The second edition of the Sydney Thunder Nation Cup was held at John McGrath and Bob Dowling Playing Fields in Dubbo, marking a significant step forward in scale, engagement and experience.
The day-to-night event featured an 11-team senior competition with more than 90 participants, representing communities with strong cricketing ties including Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Australia. Supported by umpires, live scoring via PlayHQ and a final under lights, the Dubbo event delivered a professional match-day experience typically reserved for formal competitions.
Participants were treated to Nepalese-catered lunches, while the Sydney Thunderstorm mascot added to the festival atmosphere.
The event drew strong community support, with families, local multicultural groups and junior players engaging throughout the day. Local State MP Dougal Saunders and Dubbo District Cricket Association President Ben Strachan - who bowled the opening delivery - were also in attendance, while the event was also covered on local ABC Radio, reflecting its growing prominence within the region.
Together, the Dubbo and Bankstown Tape Ball Carnivals highlight Sydney Thunder’s ongoing investment in programs that use cricket as a vehicle for wellbeing, belonging and community building - ensuring the game continues to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.