Willowfest aims to attract Indian teams in 2016

A long-standing cricket carnival in Mildura is aiming to tap into the thriving Indian cricket market.

The Willowfest Australian Cricket Club Championships, in its 39th year, has appointed its first international ambassador in a bid to attract teams from India.

The carnival will also forge a partnership with Big Bash League club Melbourne Renegades this year.

International ambassador Baljinder Sandhu is gauging interest from Indian cricket teams to play in the annual post-Christmas carnival.

Willowfest’s president,  Anthony Telfer said if the carnival could attract a team from India, it would be the first step to becoming an international competition.

“Last year we were close to having two cricket academies coming to Willowfest, but visas stopped this,” he said.

Willowfest looks to expand

“Now we have someone on the ground in India. Baljinder is going to be promoting Willowfest far and wide in India.

“Baljinder knows Willowfest, he knows Mildura, and he loves the region, so he’s a perfect ambassador to help promote Willowfest to the Indian cricket marketplace.”

Mr Telfer said tackling the Indian market first up with such a concept was “absolutely massive”, not just for Willowfest, but for the region.

“Our goal is to hopefully this year have one or two teams from India make the journey to Australia and play four days of cricket on some of Australia’s finest wickets, right here in Mildura,” he said.

The Willowfest Australian Cricket Club Championships attracts male and female cricketers from across Australia to play 50-over and T20 matches over four days.

Mr Telfer said carnival organisers would also announce a naming rights sponsor next month.

“It’s very exciting what we’ve got planned in the next month or so, and also working very closely with Melbourne Renegades and looking forward to their involvement in Willowfest for the first time this year,” he said.

International focus also on other countries

Mr Telfer said Willowfest was also open to having international ambassadors in other cricket-loving countries such as New Zealand, the West Indies, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

“We’re one of three major events on the tourist calendar for Mildura Rural City Council,” he said.

“We attract about 500 cricketers, plus their families, friends and associates, so we think we draw about 1,000 people into Mildura between Christmas and New Year.”

The first team to register for the 2016 carnival hails from Maffra in Gippsland, Victoria.

Mr Telfer said people could register as a team, individual player or as an umpire via the Willowfest website.

Hard work starts now, ambassador says

Willowfest’s international ambassador Baljinder Sandhu is hoping to help attract cricketers from India to compete in the annual Mildura carnival.

 

Mr Sandhu previously lived in the Sunraysia region for two years, playing for Mildura East Cricket Club.

He played at Willowfest over the past two years, earning player of the carnival in 2015.

Mr Sandhu said he planned to return to play at Willowfest this year, this time with his special role.

“It is amazing, a very special feeling. Now a lot of hard work needs to be done,” he said.

“As ambassador, my role is to introduce and tell Indian cricket clubs and players about Willowfest. I will be a connection between clubs and players and Willowfest.

“I love playing cricket, watching cricket or anything to do with it. I enjoyed every bit of Willowfest in the past two years.

“Already this role has made me meet amazing players and coaches in India who are very keen to play in Australia.

“My cricket network is grown so fast and I’m loving it. When a team from India plays at Willowfest, that will be my achievement.”

Club cricketers in action at Mildura’s Willowfest Australian Cricket Club Championship last year.

Mr Sandhu said Mildura’s top-class turf wickets were a selling point for the carnival.

“I explain my experience at Willowfest, about the amazing pitches and grounds that we get to play on, and amazing Mildura people,” he said.

“Nothing is impossible. I am already working with a couple of clubs who are very keen to play their players in Willowfest, as it will give them an amazing experience playing on fast, bouncy pitches with other competitive teams from Australia.

“In the end, it all depends on legal requirements like visas and other documentation. But we are very confident it will all happen.”

Mr Sandhu said the carnival was the perfect opportunity for Indian cricketers to gain a taste of cricket and culture in Australia.

“It brings together the true Aussie spirit, and Mildura is a perfect destination for the event,” he said.

“There are so many activities to do whether alone or in groups, and living is unique to the city life.

“The atmosphere is more relaxed and perfect to unwind following a day full of action.”

Article written by ABC MILDURA-SWAN HILL BY LAUREN HENRY