When the dominant Australian cricket team landed in India in March 2001 with a 15-match winning streak, few anticipated the series would become one of the most iconic battles in cricket history. Australia crushed India in just three days in the first Test in Mumbai, but what followed in Kolkata and Chennai would be legendary. Harbhajan Singh’s remarkable 32 wickets and VVS Laxman’s heroic batting efforts led India to a historic comeback, sealing a memorable series win.
During that tour, Brendan McClements, then Head of Public Affairs at Cricket Australia, was among the Australian delegation. That trip marked the beginning of his long connection with India, one that has evolved over the past 23 years. Now CEO of Visit Victoria, McClements frequently visits India to nurture ties between the two nations. Recalling his first trip to India, he vividly remembers the excitement surrounding the Australian team.
“I was fortunate to be part of that team—Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee—what a squad! They truly embraced playing in India. I remember arriving in Mumbai late at night, around 11 PM, and the airport was packed with about 10,000 people cheering. By the next morning, we had a press conference with 200 journalists at 2 AM. The energy of that moment has always stuck with me,” McClements said in an interview with The Hindustan Times.
McClements spent three years with Cricket Australia before transitioning to the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he served as General Manager of Corporate Affairs for four years. But in 2019, he took on a new challenge as CEO of Visit Victoria, a role where he now promotes his home city to the world. A proud Melburnian, McClements is committed to showcasing the unique charm and appeal of Melbourne, which he believes is Australia’s finest city.
“Sydney has its attractions, but for me, Melbourne is unmatched. From food and wine to culture and sports, everything is at your fingertips here. Melbourne has a vibrancy that sets it apart, and for travelers, it’s an irresistible destination,” McClements shared.
Expanding Melbourne’s Sporting Horizon with Kabaddi
Melbourne’s rich sporting culture is a key draw for tourists, with major events like the Australian Open, Grand Prix, and Boxing Day Test attracting large crowds. These events not only fill stadiums but also broadcast the city’s energy and appeal to a global audience. Cricket has always been central to Australian sports, and with Melbourne’s sizeable Indian community, the Boxing Day Test has become a sold-out affair well in advance.
However, McClements and Visit Victoria are now expanding the city’s sporting landscape by introducing the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) to Melbourne. This addition is part of a broader strategy to engage Melbourne’s Indian community and foster deeper cultural ties between India and Australia.
“We absolutely loved the atmosphere when India and Pakistan played in the T20 World Cup, and Virat Kohli’s incredible performance in the final overs will be remembered for years to come. What made it even more special was the large Indian crowd in attendance. We’ve worked closely with broadcasters like Star to make these events successful. Kabaddi is another fantastic way to connect with the Indian community here, and we’re excited to bring it to Melbourne,” McClements said.
McClements noted that the city had already tested the waters with the women’s edition of the Pro Kabaddi League, which was met with enthusiasm. With close to a million Australians of Indian descent, there’s a strong appetite for Kabaddi, and McClements sees it as a natural extension of Melbourne’s sporting calendar.
“There’s significant interest in Kabaddi here. Around 95% of people from the Indian diaspora in Australia are aware of the sport and follow it closely. We hope that by hosting PKL in Melbourne, we’ll not only bring a great spectacle but also tell the Australian story to Indian audiences.”
A Sporting Celebration: Boxing Day Test and Pro Kabaddi League
Though dates for the Pro Kabaddi League’s debut in Australia are yet to be finalized, there’s a possibility it could overlap with the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, which kicks off on December 26. Far from seeing this as a clash, McClements views it as an opportunity to create a larger celebration of Indian culture in Australia.
“I believe it can be complementary. The Boxing Day Test is already a celebration of Indian culture, and if Kabaddi happens at the same time, it will only strengthen its presence in Australia. We’re working to ensure both events work together seamlessly,” he said.
As Melbourne continues to evolve as a global sports hub, McClements’ vision is clear: by embracing diverse sports like Kabaddi, the city will not only strengthen its ties with international communities but also solidify its status as Australia’s premier sporting destination.
