Two Time Olympian Ben Hardy Named Marquee Player for the Phoenix Firebirds
- Anthony Telfer
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Spirit of Cricket Global is proud to announce that Ben Hardy, dual Olympian and one of Australia’s most versatile athletes, will join the Global T20 Spirit of Cricket Festivale in Mildura from 25–30 September 2025. Hardy will line up as the marquee player for the Phoenix Firebirds, one of the tournament’s newest franchises.
Hardy’s sporting story is extraordinary. Best known as a two-time Olympian who represented Australia in volleyball at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games, he made more than 400 international appearances for the green and gold. His career spanned two decades and four continents, competing in four World Championships, claiming national league titles in Europe, lifting European Cups, and winning gold at the Asian Championships.
But before volleyball took him to the world stage, Hardy’s passion was cricket. Growing up in Adelaide, he was chosen to represent in the South Australian City vs Country competition as a schoolboy, before relocating to the ACT where he was recognised with the ACT Secondary Schools Cricket Award in Year 12 – a sign of his talent and dedication to the game.
Now, after years of elite-level volleyball, Hardy has returned to his first sporting love. He recently made his representative debut for the ACT Over 50s at the national championships in Newcastle, before pulling on the pads again at the NSW State Championships. Known as a right-hand opening/top-order batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler, he has quickly made his mark on the Veterans Cricket scene.
“From the Olympic stage to veterans cricket, sport has always been about connection, competition, and community for me,” Hardy said. “To now be part of the Global Spirit of Cricket Festivale in Mildura, and to be selected as the marquee player for the Phoenix Firebirds, is an incredible honour. I can’t wait to take the field.”
Phoenix Firebirds Franchise Owner Tony Bransdon said Hardy’s signing embodies everything the team stands for.
“We are thrilled to have Ben Hardy as our marquee player. His reputation as a gentle giant, combined with his professionalism, athletic pedigree, and passion for cricket, makes him the perfect fit for the Firebirds. We look forward to seeing the impact he will have with both bat and ball, and the inspiration he will bring to our squad.”
The Global Spirit of Cricket Festivale in Mildura will bring together elite Over-50s cricketers from around the world for six days of high-class competition. Hardy’s inclusion as a marquee signing and Olympian ensures the Phoenix Firebirds will be one of the most talked-about franchises of the tournament.
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