Sydney Thunder leads the charge in bringing more women to cricket

The Sydney Thunder cricket franchise launches its first ever international women's hit-out, aiming to attract more multicultural female participants to the game.

A Green Sydney Thunder jersey presented to Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi by club GM Lee Germon Source: SBS

Higher pay at the elite level and improved grass roots pathways have helped make more young women turn to cricket as a potential sporting career.

But the Sydney Thunder is hoping to widen the playing base. It has included women in its annual Thunder Nation concept, where teams from various ethnic backgrounds come together to compete.

New Thunder general manager Lee Germon believes it will prove popular.

"It's a great chance and opportunity for them to come and try cricket," he told SBS World News.

The first female Muslim member of an Australian parliament Mehreen Faruqi was on hand to see the first all-girl training session.

She was born in Pakistan and knows cricket's power extends beyond the pitch.

"It's a sport that does bring people closer together," she said.  

Sydney Thunder leads the charge to engage with the female multicultural community Source: SBS

Michelle Goszko works with the Thunder to run around 160 all women's teams around NSW.

She says initiatives like targeting multicultural females are long overdue.

"It's been a long time coming but its fantastic to see," she said.

Sydney Thunder won the Women's Big Bash League last season and the franchise is hoping that success will also act as an incentive for young women to get involved.

The season gets under way on December 9 when the Thunder plays the Melbourne Renegades.