The Seattle Orcas have taken a major step toward fostering women’s cricket in the United States by naming Anika Kolan and Jivana Aras as the franchise’s official Women’s Cricket Brand Ambassadors. The announcement underscores the franchise’s broader commitment to expanding the reach and participation of women’s cricket throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the country.
As part of their roles, Kolan and Aras will lead community outreach campaigns, represent the Orcas at matches and public events, and help develop new grassroots programmes aimed at introducing the sport to girls and young women. Their appointments come at a pivotal moment for the growth of women’s cricket in the U.S., with increasing international exposure and competitive opportunities for American players.
At just 19 years old, Kolan has already built an impressive international resume. A right-handed batter and wicketkeeper, she has represented the United States in multiple formats and age groups. Kolan has scored over 338 runs in 28 T20Is with a strike rate exceeding 76.1, including a top score of 54 not out, and has contributed behind the stumps with 11 catches and 7 stumpings. Kolan’s impact on the field goes beyond totals. She captained the U.S. Under-19 Women’s team to the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 T20 World Cup, underlining her leadership qualities early in her career.
Jivana Aras, the co-ambassador alongside Kolan, brings her own set of strengths to the role. Known as a fast-bowling all-rounder, Aras has featured for the United States Women’s side in T20Is, adding balance and depth to the squad. Aras’ experience in international competition positions her well to serve as a role model for aspiring cricketers in the U.S.
The decision by the Seattle Orcas to formalize these ambassador roles comes amid broad efforts to grow women’s cricket domestically. Earlier in 2026, the franchise announced the launch of the Seattle Orcas Women’s T20 Open, a tournament designed to showcase talent, encourage participation, and build momentum toward establishing a professional women’s cricket league in the country. This initiative will run alongside community clinics, fan engagement events and youth coaching programmes areas where Kolan and Aras will play central roles.
Hemant Dua, CEO of the Seattle Orcas, noted that the appointments are part of a long-term strategy to embed women’s cricket more deeply into the region’s sporting culture. “Anika and Jivana represent the ambition and talent that we want to nurture,” Dua said. “Their leadership and visibility will help broaden the game’s appeal to girls and families here and build sustainable pathways for future players.”
“Cricket belongs to everyone, and it is one of our core values to be inclusive and welcome everyone to the sport,” said Sanjay Parthasarathy, Seattle Orcas co-owner. “By investing in women’s cricket today, we are building a stronger foundation for the sport in the US for generations to come.” With U.S. women’s teams gaining more regular international fixtures, and with ambassadors like Kolan and Aras leading the charge locally, the Seattle Orcas’ initiative may well become a blueprint for how franchise cricket can support and elevate women’s cricket development.
Loves all things female cricket