Bowl us over – the ACT has been represented at the National Cricket Inclusion Championships

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Here’s some news that will score big smiles from cricket lovers – the ACT has partnered with Tasmania to field a combined Blind and Low Vision representative team at the Cricket Australia National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC).
Who needs the BBL?
Eight players from the ACT are part of the 12-player squad currently competing in the six-day tournament in Brisbane, which will finish on Friday 24 January.
In addition, three female athletes from Canberra will take to the field for NSW in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women’s division.
Established in 2017, the NCIC includes five divisions: Blind & Low Vision Mixed, Blind & Low Vision Women’s, Cricketers with an Intellectual Disability, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Men and Deaf & Hard of Hearing Women’s.
According to the President of Blind Cricket ACT, Jason Schmidt, this is the third time the ACT has competed in the NCIC. After training for several months, they’re incredibly proud and excited to be representing the ACT.
“This tournament is a huge opportunity to showcase the skills and determination of our players, and to promote inclusion and accessibility in cricket,” he says.
“Getting ready for the tournament hasn’t been without its challenges. As a team, we’ve faced barriers such as limited access to training grounds, difficulties with sponsorship and fundraising, and a lack of opportunities to play against other teams in preparation. Despite these hurdles, our players have shown incredible resilience and commitment.
“Being here is a testament to their hard work and passion, and we’re ready to give it our all on the field. It’s an honour to compete against such talented teams, and we’re embracing the chance to inspire others and break down barriers for people with disabilities in sport.”
Noting that the NCIC has some significant differences to the BBL (like the ball itself, which is made of plastic and contains ball bearings to help the players hear it), Jason says the team is still developing, but the inclusion and camaraderie among the players makes them stand out from the crowd.
“There’s a strong spirit of support and encouragement on the field, making these games not just about competition but about fostering connection and breaking down barriers,” he says.
“At this stage we are still developing our team – our biggest challenge is NSW who are five times champions and are sitting with a team where only two of the 14 players who have not played for Australia.”
Planning on keeping games going after the NCIC as well as building awareness and recruiting more players, this is just the beginning for the growing talented team.
“We’re always on the lookout for sponsors, volunteers and teams to play against. We love the opportunity to play against sighted players in a simulated environment where they get the chance to wear simulation glasses and play against us.”
To follow all the action during the 2025 National Cricket Inclusion Championships, download the Play Cricket app or visit Cricket Australia’s YouTube channel where all games will be available via live-stream.