‘Rainbow Stumps’, England’s drive to welcome LGBT cricketers
MUMBAI: The upcoming matches in the NatWest T20 Blast as well as in the Kia Super League in England will be provided with a ‘Rainbow Stumps’ makeover on all corners of the grounds, with all players, umpires and even the commentators backing the initiative to welcome people from LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community into cricket.
For the next eight matches in the two tournaments in England to be played from Thursday to Sunday, almost everyone involved will take part in the ‘Rainbow Stumps’ event, according to Sky Sports.
Grace Cricket Club is more than 20 years old and was established to encourage the inclusion of the LGBT community into cricket, and is working with the ‘Stonewall Campaign’.
However, the club has had to face some negativity for its activities. During a recruitment drive recently, there were ‘homophobic comments on social media’.
Grace’s press and publicity officer Chris Sherwood said, “This is such an important first step being taken by the ECB and Sky Sports towards culture change in cricket. As the world’s first LGBT cricket club, there is no question to us that there is still a great need for action.
“Just a few weeks ago, a Facebook campaign aimed at cricket fans to promote our club attracted almost exclusively homophobic responses. It’s no surprise, therefore, that we welcome this campaign, as we welcome people, with open arms.”
Over the weekend, rainbow flags will be a part of the guard of honour in every match, the stumps will be painted in those colours and the entire ground will be given a makeover in the similar tone.