I caught up with Aryan Meghani, Competition Administrator at Cricket Victoria, whose journey reflects how passion for sport can evolve beyond playing and into building the game from behind the scenes. From arriving in Australia as a teenager to working across community and premier cricket, Aryan shared how curiosity, initiative, and people skills shaped his path.

📍 Q: You’ve played cricket your whole life and now work behind the scenes of the game. When did you realise you wanted to build sport, not just play it?

Aryan: “I realised it around 18 or 19, when I moved to Australia. I knew I wasn’t going to play professionally, but I still wanted to be around cricket. It was a childhood dream, and back then I had no idea how the industry actually worked. That motivation pushed me to stay connected.

When I arrived, I got back into cricket, played university nationals, and continued through clubs. I felt like I was living the best of both worlds, staying involved in the game while learning how it operates beyond the field.”

📍 Q: You’ve taken on a wide range of internships and roles early. How do you decide which opportunities are worth saying yes to?

Aryan: “Honestly, I didn’t have the luxury to be picky. I had to try and test everything. I became shameless about asking, reaching out to people just to learn how things work, to understand their process and their craft.

A lot of opportunities came through friends and professors. I built genuine relationships, especially with one professor I spoke to weekly. That connection helped me land an internship, which turned into a great experience because I showed up, learned, and added value. Anything I came across, I tried to pursue and figure out how to get involved.”

📍 Q: What advice would you give students who want a career in sport but don’t see themselves as elite athletes?

Aryan: “Sport is like any other industry. As a student, just talk to people, not networking as a buzzword, but real conversations. Speak to people in the industry and to your professors to map out your university journey.

Start internships early, even in your first year. Volunteer where you can, but be intentional, give your time, create value, and learn something meaningful. University is the best time to understand how the industry works and how people work. Expectations are low in internships, but people skills matter a lot. Be kind. Be nice. That goes a long way.”

📍 Q: One message for the world

Aryan: “Go with the flow. Take life as it comes to you.”

✨ Key Takeaway:

Aryan’s story shows that you don’t need to be an elite athlete to build a career in sport. Curiosity, initiative, and genuine human connection can open doors, and sometimes, going with the flow leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.