Indian students were out on the streets again in Melbourne on Friday, but only to play some street cricket with the Victoria Police.
The exercise was part of an effort to restore confidence in the community that has in recent weeks been bruised by a series of violent street crimes and racial abuse.
In the heart of Melbourne’s central business district, mixed teams comprising Indian students and the Victoria Police constabulary pitched stumps and had a jolly knockabout — all in the cause of improving relations between the students and the police. “Having a game of cricket is a really simple concept, but the benefits are amazing,” said Victoria Police spokesman constable Craig Spicer.
Indian students had staged a rally in Melbourne on May 31 to protest against the attacks and alleged police inaction. But all those wounds were healed amid a flurry
of cover drives and conciliatory talk.
Victorian cricketer Brad Hodge, who joined in the fun and games, said cricket had the capacity to act as balm.
Hodge, who represented Australia and the Kolkata Knight Riders, said the sport — which both Australians and Indians excel in and are passionate about — “is obviously a very good ground to get relationships back on track.”
Amit Menghani, president of the Federation of Indian Students in Australia, said it felt “wonderful” to see such a “positive initiative from the cricketing community and the Victoria Police.”
Victoria Police chief commissioner Simon Overland had, in an interview, told DNA earlier in the day they worked very hard to engage with their multicultural community. For instance, the Victoria Police organises an annual dinner with each of the different communities represented in the state.
In response to a question, he said, “I have many Indian friends, and I love going over to
their place to eat because Indian food is sensational!”
Street cricket and chicken tikka…howzzat for Indo-Aussie reconciliation!
