Lyon wants blind cricket in 2032 Brisbane Paralympics
Scott Bailey |
Nathan Lyon has called for blind cricket to be admitted to the 2032 Paralympics, believing it’s common sense for Australia’s summer sport to be in both Brisbane Games.
Lyon will lead the charge for the blind game by playing with braille emblazoned on the back of his bat during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy this Test summer, with “a sport for all” embedded towards the toe.
Australia’s blind side will also take on England in an Ashes series starting Sunday on the Gold Coast, with three ODIs and five T20s.
Cricket will feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, for the first time since 1900, but there is no place for the sport in that year’s Paralympics.
The return of the Games to Australia in 2032 is considered the ideal time to push for the blind version of the sport in the Paralympics.
“I reckon it’s a critical thing, if cricket is able to get into the Paralympics,” Lyon told AAP.
“It’s now part of the Olympics, and I think it would be pretty special for not just Australia but cricket worldwide if they were able to combine it into the Paralympics.
“It would open up a lot of things and be pretty special for world cricket … I think it’s pretty silly that it’s not (in the Paralympics too).”
International Rugby League has also argued for the wheelchair version of its sport to be among new events to debut in Brisbane.
Blind cricket is already played worldwide, with a ball filled with ball bearings for audible cues delivered underarm.
There is also significant sub-continent interest, with India having beaten Pakistan and Bangladesh in the past five T20 and ODI World Cup finals.
Lyon’s idea has support from Cricket Australia, who were prominent in the push for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.
“We would be fully supportive of cricket’s inclusion in the Brisbane Paralympics should the opportunity arise,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.
“We aim to be a sport for all.
“This includes providing the best possible opportunities for cricketers of all abilities to compete at community, domestic and international level.”
Lyon also believes adding cricket for players with physical disabilities could form part of the Paralympics, which would allow the inclusion of those with profound hearing impairments.
The veteran Test spinner has long been a champion of blind cricket, having also spent time with England’s squad during the winter.
“It’s pretty amazing what they do on day-to-day life, let alone come out and play cricket,” Lyon said.
“I have perfect eye sight, and over the past couple of years I have been bowled by a girl who is now 11.
“As soon as you put the goggles on and experience the difficulties they have … it takes you totally out of your comfort zone. It’s extremely challenging.”
AAP