Earlier Nathan Lyon speaking to Cricket Australia after attending a net session with an Intellectual Disability said, “The position we’re in as role models, if we can inspire boys and girls to go out there and play this beautiful game, which I believe is a sport for all, then it’s worth it.

“These guys are representing South Australia up in Brisbane, so in my eyes, they are playing state cricket and hopefully they can put their hands up for international selection in the Australian ID team.”

The tournament in 2025 will start on January 19 and will be played till January 25 at Marchant Park in Brisbane with 22 teams across all states and territories in Australia.

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 are the five divisions across the championships.

“The National Cricket Inclusion Championships are a great event that showcases the best Australian cricketers with a disability, and Cricket Australia’s mission to be a sport for all, said Cricket Australia General Manager, Events & Operations Joel Morrison.

“The NCIC continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re excited to see them evolve even further in 2025 with a full week of blind and low-vision women’s games, building on the success of last year’s exhibition matches.

“It’s a testament to the growing passion for inclusive cricket across the country, and we’re excited to see these incredible athletes inspire the next generation while showcasing their talents on a national stage,” Morrison added.

“The Championships form an important representative pathway for cricketers, and we look forward to experiencing what the 2025 tournament has to offer,” Morrison concluded.