Nathan Lyon Donates Signed Bats of Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah to Support Disabled Cricketers

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has donated three signed bats, including those autographed by Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, to the National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC). Lyon, who is an ambassador for the organization, supports disabled cricketers in Australia. The bats donated by Lyon feature the quote “a sport for all” written in Braille across the center.

Lyon, speaking to Cricket Australia after a session with players with intellectual disabilities, emphasized the importance of inspiring young cricketers. “If we can inspire boys and girls to play this beautiful game, which I believe is a sport for all, then it’s worth it,” he said. He also expressed hope that players representing South Australia in Brisbane could eventually make it to the Australian ID team.

The 2025 NCIC will be held from January 19 to January 25 at Marchant Park in Brisbane, featuring 22 teams from across all Australian states and territories. The tournament will include 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.

Joel Morrison, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Events & Operations, praised the NCIC as an important event for showcasing the talents of Australian cricketers with disabilities. “The tournament continues to grow, and we’re excited to see it evolve in 2025, especially with a full week of blind and low-vision women’s games,” he said. Morrison highlighted the event’s role in fostering passion for inclusive cricket and providing a platform for athletes to inspire the next generation.