The Cricket NSW Foundation is proud to announce the names of the 12 male and female cricketers who are set to be inducted into the 20th edition of the Basil Sellers Scholarship Program for the 2025/26 season.
Founded by Cricket NSW Vice Patron and Life Member, Basil Sellers AM, the scholarship program aims to provide the state’s best emerging cricketers with the skills and opportunities needed to effectively transition to NSW contracted playing opportunities.
The program supports scholars with education, training, employment, and social skills.
The recipients of the 2025/26 Basil Sellers Scholarships are:
Kasey Barton (Mosman CC)
Olivia Callaghan (Gordon CC)
Yash Deshmukh (Fairfield-Liverpool CC)
Lucy Finn (St George-Sutherland CC)
Austin Hunt (Dubbo CYMS)
John James (Northern Districts CC)
Alex-Lee Young (Mosman CC)
Kate McTaggart (Northern District CC)
Juliette Morton (St George-Sutherland CC)
Emily Powell (Sydney CC)
Nitesh Samuel (Parramatta CC)
Hayley Zauch (Sydney CC)
Athletes will receive the Basil Sellers financial scholarship, access to the Emerging Player Program, as well as an equipment sponsorship offer with Kookaburra Sports.
The scholarship program is administered via the Cricket NSW Foundation, under the Pathways & Performance pillar. This pillar aims to produce the best talent to inspire the next generation.
Cricket NSW Chief of Cricket Performance Greg Mail said the program had helped shape a generation of elite cricketers and continues to be a vital part of the state’s pathways system.
"The Basil Sellers Scholarship Program has been an integral part of developing New South Wales’ best young cricketers for the better part of two decades,” Mail said.
“The list of Australian players that have been part of the program comprises some of the greatest players of the modern era including Pat Cummins, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Steve Smith.
“Basil’s contribution to cricket in NSW cannot be underestimated. His ongoing commitment to the game and its emerging talent continues to make a real and lasting difference.
“We look forward to welcoming this year's scholars to the program and supporting them as they take the next step in their cricketing journey.”
To find out more about the Basil Sellers Emerging Scholarship, read the player profiles of the latest inductees or view the full list of past scholars who’ve gone on to play elite representative cricket; click here.
To make a donation to the Cricket NSW Foundation, click here