We had over 30 people working from different places. We talked every day through Zoom calls, chats, and messages. But still, I didn’t really know them.

I knew we might have some trouble talking clearly. But I didn’t think it would be so hard to feel close as a team. We were getting work done, but something felt missing.

Our talks became short and only about work. The fun and friendly chats we used to have were gone. Even though we were getting things done, something important was lacking: a real human connection.

Our team worked well, but something was missing. I wanted us to feel more connected. One day, I thought, what if we stopped focusing only on work and tried doing something fun together?

That’s when I thought of cricket.

A Game That Never Left Me

I used to play it in the streets with friends, and even today, I enjoy watching every match. It’s a game that brings back happy memories.

But in the last few years, work became so busy that I stopped playing. I thought there was no room for cricket in my work life.

Then I had an idea, what if I brought cricket into work?

We chose cricket as the main activity for our yearly team get-together. No boring meetings or work talks, just one fun plan: a full day of playing cricket, and anyone on the team could join.

What happened after that was more amazing than I ever expected.

From Group Chats to Group Practice

I had a good feeling about it, and I was right! Everyone was really excited. And not just for the match day. Even before game day, the excitement had started. Team members from different places worked together to form teams and practice. Some even found playgrounds in their areas.

A few brought their families too. It turned into a big, happy event, not just a simple match. They made their logos, picked fun names, and planned when to play. It added extra fun to everything.

It wasn’t just a cricket match anymore; it became something special for all of us. The best part? No one was left out. Everyone made sure each teammate, even the shy ones or those new to cricket, felt welcome and included.

How Cricket Helped Us Go from Coworkers to Friends

At first, some team members were nervous to join.

“I haven’t played in years,” a few said. Others were scared they might not fit in.

So, I did the best thing I could. I went onto the field and played first.

When I said I was going to play, it gave others the confidence to join too.

Now, we are friends playing together. We clapped for good shots, joked about missed catches, and relaxed with tea after the game. It brought us closer in a simple, happy way.

For me, it felt like the best mix of work and fun. I wasn’t just bringing cricket to work, I was also finding a happy part of myself again that I had forgotten while focusing only on my job.

An Unconventional, Yet Effective Culture Move

I’ve been to many team-building sessions and read lots of guides about working with remote teams.

But nothing prepared me for how amazing this cricket match turned out to be.

It wasn’t fancy or perfect. It was a little messy, noisy, and had lots of last-minute changes, but it was full of fun and team spirit. And the best part? It worked.

I finally got to meet my team in real life. I heard their stories, not just about work, but about who they really are.

We didn’t just work together, we celebrated together.

And the best part? The fun didn’t end after the match. But something had changed. People talked more, shared stories, and were much kinder. We weren’t just a team anymore; we felt like a close group of friends, a real community.

Leading with Passion, Not Just Purpose

Good leaders don’t just give tasks or focus on results. They make people feel welcome and respected. When people feel valued for who they are, they work better together. It all starts with a simple question: What do you love to do outside of work?

But for others, it might be music, painting, helping people, hiking, or games. It doesn’t matter what it is. When you share what you enjoy with your team, it brings joy and helps everyone feel more connected.

I learned that good leaders don’t only give tasks. They also share what they enjoy. When you show your real self, others feel free to do the same. That’s how trust and teamwork grow.

You don’t need a big event to bring your team closer. Even a simple, fun activity can help. Think about what you love doing. Can you share it with your team? It might be the start of something special.