What comes to your mind when you hear the words ‘cricket equipment’? Bat, Helmet and Cricket Pads? We thought so!
One crucial yet often overlooked aspect of a cricketer’s gear is the sunglasses they wear.
Imagine. It’s a warm sunny day and you’re playing cricket on a lush green field. Everything looks perfect except for one tiny problem. Harsh sun rays are hitting you directly in the eyes, creating a glare.
Solution? Cricket Sunglasses 🙂
Sunglasses are no longer a luxury fashion statement. They are becoming a staple wear in fashion and sports industries alike.
Why Do Cricketers Wear Sunglasses While Playing Cricket?
Cricket, also referred to as a gentleman’s game, is not just about prowess and precision. It also involves taking sincere care of one’s health and well-being on the field.
Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not wearing sunglasses on the field to look cool. (TBH, they do look pretty amazing) They’re wearing them for their functionality.
Here’s why every cricketers needs sunglasses:
UV Protection
Players spend long hours in the sun, especially during matches. In 1994, Brian Lara spent eight hours on the field and became the first cricketer in history to score 500-plus runs.
Of course, cricketers can’t compromise on their game. But harmful sun rays can potentially damage their eyes leading to serious eye problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Quality Cricket Sunglasses come with UV protection. They shield the eyes from harmful UV rays and scary diseases.
Glare Reduction
Bright sunlight creates harsh glares, creating visionary obstructions for a player. Due to obstructed vision, it becomes difficult to gauge the speed or distance of the ball.
Sunglasses with polarized lenses help reduce glare, allowing players to focus better on the game.
This is particularly important when batting or fielding, where tracking the ball’s movement is of critical importance.
Enhanced Vision
Cricket sunglasses are designed to enhance contrast and improve visibility. For instance, lenses with a brown or amber tint can provide better depth perception and contrast, helping players judge the ball’s speed and positioning more effectively.
Protection From Unwanted Pollutants
Cricket is an outdoor sport, and players are often at risk of getting hit by mosquitoes, airborne flies, dust or even the ball itself.
Cricket Sunglasses act as deterrents, protecting the eyes from these pollutants and the potential impact of the ball.
Protection Against Bright Lights
Cricket stadiums have floodlights to allow games to be scheduled outside daylight hours. In evening and night matches, these bright lights can cause eye strain.
Cricket sunglasses offer protection from the strain so that players can solely focus and concentrate on the match.
When selecting a pair of cricket sunglasses, consider the following features:
UV Protection
Before buying sunglasses as cricket gear, ensure that they are labelled UV 400. Such sunglasses provide nearly 100% UV protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses can eliminate glare and provide visual clarity. This feature is particularly useful when playing in bright sunlight.
Comfortable Fit
Sunglasses should be lightweight to facilitate a comfortable wearing experience and durable to withstand rough use in this rigorous sport.
They should fit snugly without slipping off during play. Sunglasses with adjustable nose pads and temple tips work best for a customized fit.
Impact Resistance
Cricketers face the risk of excessive movement and impact from speeding balls and fast bowlers during matches.
This is why sturdy impact and scratch-resistant sunglasses are a valuable investment. Look for shatterproof sunglasses with strong, durable frames to save your eyes from terrible injuries on the pitch.
Anti-Fogging Technology
It is advisable to go for sunglasses that come with an anti-fog coating to prevent condensation on the lenses during sweaty conditions or humid climates, ensuring clear vision even during intense moments on the field.
Wraparound Style
Wraparound frames offer better peripheral vision and protection from the sides, reducing the chances of sunlight and debris entering the eyes. These frames curve around the face, ensuring a secure fit. Minimal gaps restrict sunlight effectively.
Here are some of the best brands for high-quality cricket sunglasses:
1. Oakley
2. Reebok
3. Adidas
4. Smith Optics
5. Bolle
In the fast-paced, competitive world of cricket, players often ignore their health and pay the price later with extreme regret and remorse.
Having the right gear should be every sportsman’s priority, whether they are a beginner or a seasoned player.
Your eyes are your gateway to the world. Protective Cricket Sunglasses protect these gateways from scorching sun, fast bowlers and permanent damage while simultaneously enhancing your on-field performance.
Are you ready to elevate your game and protect your vision with the perfect pair of cricket sunglasses?
