Blind cricketers left to fund own way to national championships after WA Cricket decision

After months of dedicated training, an email on the afternoon of Christmas Eve delivered Bradley Brider and his teammates a devastating blow.

As captain of 'The Venetians', as they call themselves, he and his teammates had been looking forward to representing WA at the National Cricket Inclusion Championships, set to be held in Brisbane in March.

The competition is also a critical pathway for players looking to secure a spot in Australia's national blind cricket team.

But those hopes were dealt a blow when WA Cricket told players they would not be sending a number of their community cricket teams interstate this year.

«I couldn't think for a bit,» Mr Brider said.

«I just laid down on the floor and I just didn't really know what to do, where to go.»

In the email, seen by the ABC, WA Cricket said the decision was partially driven by the organisation's finances, after the state's top-tier cricket season was decimated by border restrictions.

The decision was also influenced by the risk of people catching COVID interstate and concerns over border restrictions.

«This means we also have to make some difficult decisions in relation to where our resources are directed for the remainder of the season,» the email read.

«This decision has not been made lightly. But we believe it is the right decision.»

It has left the side with no choice but to raise the $6,000 fee themselves, at which point WA Cricket has agreed to support their trip.

National championships are a highlight for cricketers of all levels.

But for players living with disability, the events are even more special because it is often the only time they can compete on a level playing field.

WA Cricket's decision has meant the intellectual disability, as well as the deaf and