Eight corporate teams unite at Adelaide Oval, raising $100,000 for mental health and cancer research
It was more than a cricket tournament ā it was a powerful demonstration of community spirit, sporting passion and collective commitment to making a difference.
The iconic Adelaide Oval witnessed an inspiring combination of cricket, charity and multicultural participation as eight corporate teams competed in the inaugural Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash, held on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
The landmark fundraising event, jointly organised by Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and Cancer Council SA, with the support of the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), successfully raised around $100,000 to support vital mental health and cancer research, prevention and community services.
Adding a remarkable chapter to the tournament was the outstanding performance of Adelaide Gladiators Cricket Club’s Nations XI, proudly sponsored & supported by Turbans 4 Australia (T4A).
The team emerged as the inaugural champions, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition and securing the prestigious gold trophy after an impressive performance in the final.
Under the able guidance of coach Deepak Bhardwaj and captaincy of Ramesh Puri, popularly known as Ramshell Fatehgarhia, the team demonstrated exceptional teamwork, determination and sporting excellence. Team manager Dr Rizwan Latif also played an important role in the successful campaign.
The winning side acknowledged the valuable support of Amar Singh, Gurpreet Singh Minhas, Sabhi Singh, Ravneet Singh Sohi, Parminderjit Singh, Ravinder Singh and Malkiat Singh.
The tournament featured an exciting T10 format, with eight teams divided into two groups of four. The finalists earned the opportunity to compete on Adelaide Oval’s renowned centre wicket.
The event brought together businesses, community organisations and cricket enthusiasts, highlighting the important role of corporate partnerships in supporting charitable initiatives.
Among the organisations recognised for their involvement and support were White Horse Finance, Catapult Foundation, CareStack, Finesse Built and Clinpath Pathology.
South Australian cricket personalities Cameron Borgas and Tom Plant joined the centre-wicket final, adding to the memorable sporting experience. South Australian fast bowler Wes Agar also helped raise awareness of the importance of mental health research.
The organisers acknowledged Adelaide Oval, SACA, Reward Trophies, Nu-Pure Beverages, Xcel Creative Studios, volunteers and participating teams for their contributions to the event’s success.
The participation and victory of Adelaide Gladiatorsā Nations XI, supported by Turbans 4 Australia, carried special significance for South Australia’s multicultural sporting community as the team constituted players from diverse multicultural communities.
Cricket continues to serve as a powerful bridge between cultures, particularly among Australia’s growing South Asian diaspora, where the sport holds deep cultural and emotional connections.
The tournament demonstrated how sporting organisations, businesses and multicultural communities can work together to promote social inclusion, strengthen community relationships and contribute to important public health initiatives.
Importantly, the fundraising effort extended beyond the cricket field, reinforcing the message that collective community action can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by mental illness and cancer.
While Adelaide Gladiatorsā Nations XI celebrated a historic sporting victory, the greatest achievement belonged to the wider South Australian community.
With around $100,000 raised for two significant health causes, the inaugural Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash demonstrated the remarkable potential of sport to inspire generosity, strengthen partnerships and support life-changing research.
The event also established a promising foundation for future collaborations between corporate organisations, sporting clubs, multicultural groups and charitable institutions.
At Adelaide Oval, the runs and wickets determined the champions ā but compassion, generosity and community unity were the real winners.
