Sydney Thunder: ‘It was a really proud moment to represent the Indian community’

Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder

Tanveer Sangha treasures his HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup magic moment

Sydney Thunder spin bowling wizard Tanveer Sangha has urged cricketers with either Indian, Afghan, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Pakistani, or Sri Lankan heritage to try out for a place in the ninth edition of the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup.

The 20-year-old created history two years ago by becoming the inaugural HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup player to represent Sydney Thunder in the KFC Big Bash League.

Since making his debut against the Melbourne Stars at Canberra’s Manuka Oval in 2020, Sangha has taken 37 wickets in 27 matches and has also been a member of the Australia T20I squad on tours of New Zealand, Bangladesh, and the West Indies.

Before BBL|11 started, Sangha – the son of Indian immigrants who settled in Sydney’s south-west – revealed how special it was to have been a member of the 2017/18 India Community team that won the title at Sydney Showground Stadium.

The leg spin bowler was named Player of the Final after capturing 2-13 and smashing a rapid 29 from 18 deliveries.

“My best cricket memory is probably playing in the Thunder Nation Cup Final three or four years ago,” said Sangha.

“I was playing for India, and we were playing against Pakistan… so there was that rivalry there.

“We won by one run, and it was my first time playing at a stadium, so it’s definitely one of my greatest cricket memories.

“It was a really proud moment to represent the Indian community.

“I remember every moment; every ball I faced and bowled. It was amazing.”

Registrations are now open for the latest edition of the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup which will run throughout February and March.

This year, teams representing six Sydney communities – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – will compete.

The purpose of the competition is to provide individuals with a chance to connect with their community and to celebrate their culture through Australia’s national sport, cricket.

Ravi Adabala, who represented the Indian community in the 2020 tournament, provided an insight into how the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup can be a positive experience for all players.

“When I came to Australia a few years back, I hardly knew anyone here,” he said. “Now, I can proudly say that I have got a big extended family and friends here.

“All the credit goes to cricket. Cricket always unites people.”

If you’re cricketer who identifies as being from one of the six communities and would like to attend a trial event, please follow the relevant link below to register.

Sydney Thunder