Blind Cricket Australia is a sports club based in Melbourne, Australia, that oversees blind cricket competitions and development programmes across the country. The origins of blind cricket in Australia can be traced back to 1922, when a group of blind and vision impaired individuals in Prahan, Victoria, came up with the idea of playing cricket using rocks in a can as a ball. This sparked enthusiasm for the game among blind crickets' forefathers and led to the development of the sport over the next three decades.
In 1952, the first National Blind Cricket Championships were held, marking a significant milestone in the sport's history. Since then, Blind Cricket Australia has expanded its competitions to include all mainland states and is now working on developing the game in Tasmania and the Northern Territory. The highlight of the blind cricket calendar is the annual National Cricket Inclusion Championships, hosted by Cricket Australia, where players from all parts of Australia compete for the title of National Champions.
Blind cricketers in Australia also have the opportunity to represent their country internationally. The elite players can participate in T20 and ODI World Cups every two years, competing against teams from ten different countries. Additionally, there is a series between Australia and England every four years. What sets blind cricket apart is that it is the only non-Paralympic sport that covers the costs of its participants at the international level.
Playing for Australia is cost-free for all team members.
Joining Blind Cricket Australia offers many benefits. Players can participate at the club level in any mainland state, including the Australian Capital Territory, where they can develop skills such as hand-eye coordination, improve their fitness and overall well-being. There are also opportunities to play at the state and international levels, providing players with a chance to meet new people and enjoy a strong camaraderie within the blind cricket community.
Blind Cricket Australia organises development clinics in capital cities and regional areas across the country, providing opportunities for individuals to experience blind cricket firsthand. To stay updated on upcoming events and clinics, individuals are encouraged to follow Blind Cricket Australia on Facebook or reach out to them via their website. To join the club, individuals can click on their respective state's logo on the website and find the contact details for their home state.
Blind Cricket Australia is led by a dedicated group of directors, including Raymond Moxley as the Chairman, Tony Sutton as the Secretary, and Eugene Negruk as the Treasurer. The club also proudly sponsors the Blind Cricket Australian Squad for 2017, showcasing their commitment to supporting blind cricket at the elite level.
Blind cricket has a rich history in Australia, with the game being developed in Melbourne and spreading to other states throughout the country. Today, blind cricket is played worldwide, thanks to the pioneering efforts of the Australian blind cricket community. For further information, individuals can contact the Secretary, Tony Sutton, via email at secretary@blindcricket. org.
au. The club's website is managed by Aussie Websites.