Kumar Erramilli, Author at FairBreak Global

In consideration of FairBreaker health and wellbeing

To all #FairBreakers,

Our priority is always the well-being, health and safety of our FairBreak family, our team members, supporters and their communities.

This means all our event programs are suspended as the world manages an unprecedented health crisis that calls for cooperatioon and compassion and we firstly get through this crisis. After this it’s about resilience, growth, and setting mindful intentions about what to do and where to go next. We have a unique opportunity to rebuild and do things differently.

While those of us fortunate enough to be able to operate from home, we will continue to work on an exciting future program of events.

If you have any questions, please pop them in the comments below, or reach out to Shaun via our contact page. Our management team is always available to assist where we can.

We would like to thank everyone for your continued support.

Stay safe and well.

– From all of us here at FairBreak.

Kumar Erramilli2020-03-18T07:47:47-04:00March 18th, 2020|News|

“Once a FairBreaker, always a FairBreaker” – a post by Shameelah Mosweu, FairBreaker #9

– Shameela Mosweu, Botswana FairBreaker

The team greet Shameelah on arrival at Bradman Oval

Now that everything has calmed down, I can finally post.

So, as some of you might have seen, I was originally denied a visa to go play cricket for FairBreak Global in Australia. A little background on FairBreak – this is an organisation that promotes gender equality and ladies from different countries get invited to play in the global XI squad. My visa got denied because the Australian government thought I was a “flight risk”.

This story ended up in the papers both in Australia and Botswana, which was crazy for me to process. Due to the backlash from the public, my visa got overturned and I was immediately flown to Australia.

I managed to play in a historic game which is a major privilege for me as a female cricketer.

I just want to take this moment to thank everyone for the messages and the support. I don’t know how I would have handled all of this without all of you. I also want to thank the media for writing up about this, one of the reasons the visa got overturned.

But a special thank you to the FairBreak team; from management to the players for all your support, fighting for me, believing in me and my cricket abilities and also inviting me on the tour (my 2nd tour for FairBreak). This has all been a crazy experience but an experience I’ll never forget.

I can not thank everyone enough.

Cricket was played hard and memories for a lifetime were made, and I look forward to what the future holds for FairBreak and myself.

Once again, a massive thank you to everyone for everything. I really appreciate it and will forever be thankful for this amazing opportunity.

Once a FairBreaker, always a FairBreaker.

#fairbreaker #genderequality #fortheloveofthegame

Shameelah Mosweu, Botswana – FairBreak player #9

Kumar Erramilli2022-04-29T15:30:22-04:00March 3rd, 2020|News|

Introducing the inaugural Blackwell-Mir Trophy

There are many venues in the world that would love to play for the Blackwell-Mir trophy. We have named it this in honour of two of the greatest players to walk on a cricket field – Alex Blackwell and Sana Mir. Two wonderful humans who have inspired thousands with their actions on and off the field.

One time adversaries who are now great friends, joined under the FairBreak banner as players in the same team, but who also honour their commitments to teams that may see them come together on opposing sides.

Twelve FairBreakers from around the world competed with some of the best young cricket talent in Australia at Bradman Oval on February 22, 2020, led by Australia’s Alex Blackwell and Pakistan’s Sana Mir. All players demonstrated to their communities, and on a global scale, that they are as good as anyone, anywhere. More importantly, they formed bonds that will outlast their cricket careers.

We are proud to introduce the Blackwell-Mir Trophy that will serve as a reminder of these two great players. We want to ensure that this game is about the cricketers and those who support them on and off the field; the wonderful human beings who dedicate their talent and time to this great sport.

Kumar Erramilli2020-03-02T02:05:40-05:00March 2nd, 2020|News|

Six new FairBreakers welcomed to the team

The last few days have been an incredible show of athleticism and talent. We’re proud to welcome six new FairBreakers to the team, presented with their numbered caps at Bradman Oval.

Welcome (L-R holding grey caps) Kary Chan (Hong Kong), Sindhu Sriharsha (USA), Nasimana Navaika (Vanuatu), Geeitka Kodali (USA), Linsey Smith (England), Hannah Trethewy (NSW).

FairBreakers and cricket legends Australia’s Alex Blackwell and Pakistan’s Sana Mir presented the newly inducted team members before the game on Saturday.

Once players are part of the FairBreak team, they are forever a FairBreaker. We don’t ‘drop’ players but continue to develop their skills and experiences, being selected to be involved in different games around the world with the FairBreak team as players or in coaching or management roles.

As cricketers, these women are talented and dedicated to their sport. As individuals, they are kind, collaborative, unique humans who each bring to the team their own kind of joy and warmth.

We’re so pleased to have you join us. Thank you.

Kumar Erramilli2020-02-23T23:25:14-05:00February 23rd, 2020|News|

Statement: Botswana player Shameelah Mosweu’s visa has been denied

– Shaun Martyn, FairBreak Founder

We regret to inform you that, despite numerous representations to government officials in Australia and also to the Botswanan High Commission, we have been unable to secure a Visa for Shameelah Mosweu to take her place as part of a FairBreak Global XI in a historic cricket match against the first-ever Bradman Women’s XI in Bowral this Saturday, February 22, 2020.

Shameelah is an outstanding player and person. She is an international player for Botswana and took part in a FairBreak program in England in 2019. Shameelah impressed everyone with the quality of her play, and her commitment to her teammates and the broader FairBreak agenda. It was with great enthusiasm and pleasure that we invited her to be part of our program in Australia from February 17-23, 2020.

Shameelah has been denied that opportunity as she is deemed a flight risk. Shameelah is a University student in England sponsored by her Government and the Botswanan Sports Commission. It is absurd she is being considered a security risk.

The denial of this opportunity goes against everything that Australia aspires to in proclaiming a ‘fair go’ for all.

Shameelah is a great example for the young men and women of Botswana and every country where opportunities to perform on a world stage are limited. She deserves, as does everyone, the right to accept opportunities to showcase talent and continue to grow as a person and inspire.

The FairBreak XI typically consists of 12 players from 9 countries including 5 national captains; Shameelah’s absence will be greatly missed. In our game this weekend, our team will be captained by Wisden’s Captain of the Decade, Sana Mir from Pakistan. Sana is also the recent recipient of the Asian Game Changer Award, a humanitarian award recognising the great contribution an individual has made to Asia and the world.

We fully support Shameelah in every way we can and continue in our endeavours to have her as part of the team.

Shameela receiving her cap from Wisden’s captain of the decade Sana Mir in England 2019.

Shameela with Sterre Kalis from the Netherlands

Kumar Erramilli2020-02-17T00:34:35-05:00February 17th, 2020|News|

Two FairBreak games and a High Tea on 22 February, Bowral

We hope you’ll join us for the very first FairBreak Global XI v Bradman XI game on 22 February, 2.15–5.00 pm.

We hope you’ll also come early for the preliminary match from 10.15 am–1.00 pm between FairBreak 2 and Sydney Cricket Club.

You’re also invited to join us at a High Tea with Ann Sherry AO, Chair of UNICEF, at Bradman Museum: 12.30 – 2.10 pm. $45 includes High Tea & Admission to the museum. For details or High Tea bookings,
visit www.bradman.com.au.

Thanks to: Gencor, Technology One, Vocus Communications.

Kumar Erramilli2020-01-31T04:15:08-05:00January 31st, 2020|News|

New FairBreak uniform designed for February games

At FairBreak we are constantly consulting with players and designers to refine our playing uniforms. All of our uniforms are made specifically for the players, with our teams’ input. We pay particular attention to the weight of the uniforms, their functionality and style.

The Magenta uniform will be worn for all major and live-streamed games. The Steel Blue is our alternative playing strip for practice matches and FairBreak 2nd XI games.

We believe that in actively engaging player feedback we will, over time, evolve and develop a unique look and feel.

Kumar Erramilli2020-01-30T03:20:16-05:00January 30th, 2020|News|

Concentrate on the cricket, not the crowd size

– Shaun Martyn, FairBreak Founder

It’s only 24 days until the start of the cricket Women’s World T20 tournament, and 25 days until a FairBreak Global XI plays a Bradman Foundation XI in Bowral.

I wish all teams participating in the World T20 the very best of luck.

I hope everyone focuses on the cricket that will be played – on the game people are watching – not on the size of the crowd for the final.

We should be concentrating on world class performances from players, not breaking crowd records. If the latter happens, it’s a bonus.

The ‘sleeper’ for me in this tournament is South Africa. They have player depth and the experience many of their players have now had in the WBBL and the now defunct KIA Super League. It’s given them the belief they are as good as anyone. They no longer rely on a couple of players and their recent demolition of NZ should make everyone else a little nervous.

I also hope that a serious discussion is had around the number of teams in this tournament. You can’t talk about gender equality in your sport when 16 men’s teams will contest their tournament, but only 10 women’s teams will compete in theirs. That has to change for every tournament from here on. The game will never grow if that step is not immediately taken.

Our FairBreak XI will enjoy a great week of training, playing and development in Sydney and Bowral next month. Nine countries are represented in the team with four national captains. A number of players have been a part of previous FairBreak programs and we look forward to their continued development.

We also welcome some new #FairBreakers from the USA, Hong Kong, Vanuatu and England.

It will be an interesting and challenging experience for the FairBreak XI. Although they will work with Alex Blackwell again, Alex will captain the Bradman XI as a past Bradman Scholar in this historic match.

We are also hopeful Sana Mir will captain the FairBreak XI for this match, if she can make it to the event. Sana is a celebrated #FairBreaker and it would be fitting that two of the greatest players of all time could renew their rivalry in Bowral.

Roll on February 22 at Bradman Oval, Bowral.

Details about the two games to be played on February 22 here, or join the event on Facebook here.

Kumar Erramilli2020-01-29T00:26:59-05:00January 29th, 2020|News|

FairBreak Global XI team for Australia February 17 -23 Announced

FairBreak Global will play in Australia in February culminating in a match against the first ever Bradman Women’s XI in at Bradman Oval in Bowral on Saturday February 22 commencing at 2.30pm

The FairBreak XI includes world-class players from nine countries. The games will continue to highlight the crucial issues of gender equality, such as equal pay and governance, and further the FairBreak mission of opportunity and equality for all.

Sana Mir Pakistan

Sterre Kalis Netherlands

Selina Solman Vanuatu

Diviya GK Singapore

Linsey Smith England

Sindhu Sriharsha USA

Geetika Kodali USA

Nasimana Navaika Vanuatu

Kary Chan Hong Kong

Mariko Hill Hong Kong

Celeste Raack Ireland

FairBreaker Alex Blackwell, a Bradman scholar, will captain the Bradman Women’s XI.

Gencor is the naming rights sponsor of the event, demonstrating its support for gender equality and preparedness to step forward and support FairBreak.

“FairBreak’s values tie in closely with our value systems, in encouraging and developing sporting and work opportunities for women worldwide and providing them with a platform to showcase their talents at the highest level. Partnering with FairBreak provides us with a synergistic opportunity to foster pure sporting and healthy living opportunities for women,” says R. V. Venkatesh, Gencor Managing Director.

FairBreak founder, Shaun Martyn explained the motivation behind this game ; “On the back of our recent tour of England we want to take this opportunity to continue to showcase the enormous talent that exists globally and continue our commitment to ensuring this talent is encouraged and rewarded.”

The day will also support FairBreak’s CSR partner SolarBuddy in helping to end energy poverty.

*UPDATE: We regret to inform you that Shameelah Mosweu from Botswana has had her visa denied and won’t be joining us. For more information, read our post here. It’s a huge disappointment for us and for Shameelah. She is an incredibly talented player and will be missed by us all this time.

https://fairbreak.net | Twitter/ Insta @FairBreakGlobal #fairbreaker

Kumar Erramilli2020-02-17T00:16:36-05:00January 27th, 2020|News|

How women are helping cricket become the new world game

– Article by Geoff Lawson

Image source: SMH – Alex Blackwell

It’s a confusing time in the cricket world – in a good way.

Confusion caused by so much activity from the flannelled fools; a plethora of fixtures and formats that would make Roy and HG shudder. Just when is too much cricket not enough?

We have already had two Test series, completed a domestic 50-over competition, the Sheffield Shield is three-quarters done, half of the WNCL has been played, the WBBL is done and dusted, we’re just past the halfway point in the BBL, the Australian men’s team is on a trip (couldn’t really call it a tour) to India – and that’s all before Australia Day.

Reverse sweeping towards us is the women’s T20 tri-series against India and England, followed by the Women’s T20 World Cup – which will be opened, slogged, swatted and closed between February 15 and March 8. For the aficionados, you can even follow Australia A versus the English Lions men’s series.

Plenty to pontificate about or just sit back and watch as the various spectacles unfold on our screens or up close and personal in the stands. And that’s just the home fixtures. Australia are also contesting the Under-19 World Cup now in South Africa against the likes of Nigeria and Japan.

…

Fortunately, the Fairbreak organisation (an international advocate for gender equality) has taken up the cudgel to promote opportunity through the sport in a number of the forgotten cricket-playing countries.

As an adjunct to the World Cup, a Fairbreak team will play the first match against a Bradman Foundation team at Bradman Oval on February 22. The Fairbreak team will be comprised of players from 10 different countries and include arguably Australia’s finest player Alex Blackwell, and representatives from Vanuatu, the Netherlands, Botswana, Singapore, the US, England, Hong Kong and Ireland. The match will be live-streamed (http://fairbreak.ion-sport.com) and there will be an early match against a first SCG XI women’s team. The main game starts at 2.30pm and the pipe opener is at 10.30am.

Full article here on SMH.

Kumar Erramilli2020-01-26T23:26:41-05:00January 26th, 2020|News|

About Kumar Erramilli