Three signed bats, including those of Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, have been gifted to the National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC) by the legendary Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon. As the NCIC’s brand ambassador, Lyon has been a leading voice in advocating for diversity and giving athletes with disabilities a stage.
In addition to donating the bats, Lyon took part in a net session with players who have intellectual disability as part of his commitment. The words “a sport for all” are inscribed in Braille on each bat, capturing the essence of the game. In addition, Lyon seems thrilled to be able to serve as a role model for the young sportsmen by encouraging them to pursue cricket.
“The role we play as role models is worthwhile if we can encourage boys and girls to play this lovely game, which is, in my opinion, a sport for everyone,” Lyon told Cricket Australia.
In Brisbane, these men are representing South Australia: Nathan Lyon
Cricket greats from Australia and India have signed the three bats that Nathan Lyon donated. The Australian captain Pat Cummins and the fiery Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah have signed one bat. Kohli and Steve Smith inked another bat. Lyon’s autograph was on the third bat, which also had the former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s. During the renowned Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024–25), these bats were signed.
From January 19 to January 25, 2025, 22 teams from states and territories will compete in five divisions of the NCIC: Deaf & Hard of Hearing Men, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Women, Blind & Low Vision Women, Blind & Low Vision Mixed, and Cricketers with an Intellectual Disability.
Lyon continued, “In my opinion, these guys are playing state cricket because they are representing South Australia up in Brisbane, and hopefully they can put themselves forward for international selection in the Australian ID team.”
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