Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers link up with Perth Wildcats to spread Pride message ahead of final home match

They’re two of Western Australia’s favourite sporting figures. Now Perth Scorchers great Andrew Tye and Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff have come together as part of a push for inclusivity in men’s sports. The Scorchers and Wildcats both have dedicated Pride matches and are leading the way among male sporting teams in the country. Perth’s final home match of the Big Bash League season, against Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium on Saturday, is their Pride match, while the Wildcats will also celebrate diversity and inclusivity in their January 31 clash with South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena. And both veterans say their focus is about making their games safe spaces for everyone. “It means a lot to me and a lot to the community. We are trying to make cricket a sport for all and be inclusive for everyone and I think we have taken great leaps in that direction the last couple of years,” Tye told The West Australian. “It’s awesome that as role models in the community we are able to promote things to make the world a better place. It’s not nice for people to fear going to games or fear going out into public and being ashamed to be who they are. “I don’t think that’s very nice or very kind at all. Us and the Wildcats are taking great leaps into being leaders in WA in the men’s space in being inclusive and promoting the Pride message.” Wagstaff said he thought it was key to make people feel “comfortable” playing and being at sport. “The participation numbers for basketball and cricket as well are just so high and sport is such an integral part of a lot of peoples’ lives,” he said. “If we can make those games more inclusive and people feel comfortable expressing themselves in those games than that’s what it’s all about really.”