BIRMINGHAM: History was made on Sunday in a quiet corner of Birmingham, central England, as the world’s first match was played between two LGBTQ+ cricket teams.

Hosts Birmingham Unicorns were founded in March and contested just their second fixture against London-based Graces Cricket Club — England’s only other inclusive side.

The players received commemorative caps and posed for a group photo, while spectators enjoyed picnics and chilled drinks on a balmy afternoon. “It’s more than just a game — it’s a statement,” Graces captain Stuart Anthony, 43, said.

“If you’re into cricket, there’s a place for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re different — we have a home.” Unicorns skipper Lachlan Smith, 45, added: “It’s a celebration of inclusion, demonstrating that LGBTQ people can have a place in cricket.

“There are lots of LGBTQ players who aren’t out in their clubs and wanted to play with us because that appeals to them.”

Smith initially sought advice from Graces about founding an inclusive team and both realised that playing each other would be a historic opportunity.

Governing body the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and county team Warwickshire have supported them, as coronavirus restrictions are relaxed, allowing the match to go ahead. Australia-born Smith grew up with cricket but later questioned its compatibility with his sexual orientation.

After 15 years away from the game, he needed two years to feel able to come out at his current club, while finding an LGBTQ-inclusive team in 2009 rekindled Anthony’s love for cricket after he became disenchanted.

“You aren’t going to be forever pilloried and feel bad. People will help on that journey through this sport we share and love,” Anthony said.

“There’s space for everybody to be themselves. That safe space is marvellous — we learn from it and share along the way.”

The ECB has supported the LGBTQ community in recent years through the Rainbow Laces and Rainbow Stumps campaigns.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2021