The landscape of Australian cricket is undergoing a significant shift, with surnames from non-indigenous backgrounds now leading the registration statistics. A striking example of this change is the rise of the surname Singh, which has overtaken the historically dominant Smith in the pursuit of professional cricket. This shift is indicative of the increasing involvement of South Asian Australians in the sport and reflects Cricket Australia’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

For the first time, the 2023–24 registration data reveals that players with the surname Singh outnumbered the Smith surname, with 4,262 registrations compared to 2,364. The Smith surname, long associated with the sport’s heritage, is now third, with Williams rounding out the top five.

This transformation is driven by Cricket Australia’s efforts to enhance inclusivity and accessibility. The rise in participation from South Asian communities is not coincidental as it aligns with Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Action Plan, which focuses on eliminating cultural and social barriers, providing equal opportunities from grassroots levels to elite competitions, and prioritising talent over background.

The success of these efforts is evident, as South Asian player registrations surpassed expectations, reaching 100,000 two years ahead of the 2027 goal. This achievement reflects the impact of Cricket Australia’s outreach programs, including school initiatives and increased representation in mainstream competitions.