ENGLAND CRICKET BOARD: LGBTQ+ HISTORIC MATCH

Graces CC and Unicorns CC made history at the weekend by taking part in what was believed to be the first-ever cricket match contested between two fully inclusive LGBTQ+ cricket clubs. The landmark fixture represented a significant moment for inclusivity within the sport and highlighted the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ participation in cric

Historic LGBTQ+ cricket match marks major milestone

Graces CC and Unicorns CC made history at the weekend by taking part in what was believed to be the first-ever cricket match contested between two fully inclusive LGBTQ+ cricket clubs. The landmark fixture represented a significant moment for inclusivity within the sport and highlighted the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ participation in cricket.

The landmark fixture represented a significant moment for inclusivity within the sport

Teams meet in Birmingham for groundbreaking fixture

The two sides faced each other on Sunday at Weoley Hill Cricket Club in Birmingham, coming together for a match that aimed to celebrate diversity and inclusion within the game.

Strong support from cricketing bodies

The fixture was supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), with match officials provided by the ECB ACO. Warwickshire County Cricket Club also backed the event, delivering a joint coaching session for both teams as part of the day’s activities.

The match was made available to watch via live stream, with Frogbox providing technical support to broaden its reach.

ECB highlights importance of inclusion

ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison praised the event, describing it as fantastic to see two clubs founded with LGBTQ+ inclusion at their heart coming together for such a historic match. He reiterated the ECB’s commitment to ensuring cricket was a sport for everyone, stressing the importance of removing barriers to participation.

He added that teams like Graces and Unicorns, and events such as this fixture, played a crucial role in making cricket more welcoming for LGBTQ+ players and supporters alike.

Graces CC reflects on progress and pride

Graces CC chairperson Leo Skyner said the club had been founded to promote inclusivity in cricket and that playing Birmingham Unicorns in the first LGBTQ+ inclusive match in around 25 years was a moment of immense pride.

He also noted that the level of coverage and support the match received made it an important stepping-stone towards creating a more inclusive future for cricket, benefiting players, officials, supporters and fans.

Unicorns CC emphasise legacy and growth

Unicorns CC captain Lachlan Smith said the club was proud to be involved in what they believed was the first LGBTQ+ inclusive cricket match of its kind anywhere in the world.

He explained that increasing inclusivity was essential to growing the game and ensuring LGBTQ+ people felt welcome in cricket. He described the match as a vital milestone that helped lay the foundations for improving LGBTQ+ involvement in the sport for years to come.