Migrant workers and accounting professionals became teammates on the cricket field as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Singapore Chapter organised its inaugural Unity Cup 2026.
The community cricket tournament was designed not merely as a sporting competition but as a platform to encourage friendship, inclusion and interaction between migrant workers and members of the ICAI Singapore Chapter.
A defining feature of the tournament was its mixed-team format, with migrant workers and ICAI members playing alongside one another rather than competing as separate groups.
The organisers said this allowed participants from different social and professional backgrounds to interact naturally – sharing the pressure of competition, encouraging teammates and celebrating successes together.
The event was held with the support of the Ministry of Manpower’s Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group, HIA/AGWO, Dorm Mums and the Singapore Social Cricket League.
For many migrant workers from South Asia, cricket is a familiar passion and a strong connection to home. The Unity Cup sought to use that shared enthusiasm as common ground to build relationships with members of the wider Singapore community.
Mr Ajay Singh, First Secretary (Community Welfare) at the High Commission of India in Singapore, described the initiative as an example of sport’s ability to break down barriers.
“The ICAI Singapore Unity Cup is a wonderful example of how sport can bring communities together,” he said.
“It is heartening to see migrant workers and members of the ICAI Singapore Chapter playing together as teammates, building friendships and creating a stronger sense of community.”
The initiative also marked a new direction in community engagement for the ICAI Singapore Chapter.
Its chairperson Sanjay Gattani said the purpose of the tournament extended well beyond runs, wickets and results.
“The ICAI Singapore Unity Cup is not just about cricket or the result on the scoreboard,” he said.
“It is about creating meaningful connections, recognising the valuable contribution of our migrant worker brothers and providing them with a platform where they feel welcomed, valued and included.”
Mr Sanjay said this was the chapter’s first initiative of its kind and it hoped to build on the experience with more community activities in the future.
The tournament concluded with the presentation of prizes and trophies, but the organisers said its more meaningful outcomes were the friendships formed and barriers crossed during the event.
santosh@sph.com.sg
