A group of Canberra cricketers will vie for the chance to play the curtain-raiser to the Sydney Thunder's Big Bash League clash with the Adelaide Strikers on Sunday.
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Seven tournaments are being hosted by the reigning BBL champions as they bring together teams from the Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepalese, Fijian, Afghani, Sri Lankan and Indian communities.
The seven winners of each tournament – one from each community – progress to the tournament finals on October 30.
The Canberra Pakistanis enter the first leg of the Thunder Nation Cup at Blacktown's Whalan Reserve in a bid to represent Pakistan for the second year running.
The Canberra outfit will be out to go one better, having reached last year's final where they fell to Indian representatives Desi Boys at Spotless Stadium.
The Bangladeshi finalists have been decided while 17 Nepalese teams have been whittled down to four semi-finalists.
Sydney Thunder general manager Nick Cummins says the Thunder Nation Cup is providing players a priceless opportunity.
"The Thunder Nation Cup gives players from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds the opportunity to represent their country of origin, and the chance to experience the fun and excitement of the BBL," Cummins said.
Another prize on the line for Canberra's cricketers is the chance to trial for the Thunder Nation Cup All Stars Team with the tournament's top 24 players to be selected.
From that a 13-man squad will represent the Thunder Nation Cup All Stars against the Melbourne Renegades Champions League Team in Wagga Wagga this November.
The final of the Thunder Nation Cup will be held before Sydney Thunder's BBL match with the Adelaide Strikers on January 18, 2017 at Spotless Stadium.
