The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled a new cricket tournament featuring tape ball matches, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity and fostering grassroots involvement in the sport.
Tape ball cricket, a variant originating in Pakistan and now popular worldwide, particularly within South Asian communities, involves using a tennis ball wrapped in tape to introduce swing and bounce dynamics to the game. Since the ball remains soft, players forego the need for protective gear like helmets or pads. Moreover, the game can be played on various surfaces and in any locale, rendering it widely accessible and beloved.
This initiative draws inspiration from the triumph of tape ball cricket in India, notably exemplified by the Indian Street Premier League T10 tournament. Notable England cricket figures, including Dawid Malan, Heather Knight, Adil Rashid, and Sophie Ecclestone, featured prominently during the tournament’s inauguration.
Teams hailing from diverse cities such as Birmingham, Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds, Leicester, London (Middlesex, Essex, and Surrey), Luton, Manchester, Sandwell, Slough, and Nottingham will partake in both men’s and women’s divisions.
The tournament will begin with a launch event held in Birmingham, graced by the presence of England’s Women’s, Men’s, and Disability cricket stars—Heather Knight, Adil Rashid, Sophie Ecclestone, Dawid Malan, and Jamie Goodwin. This inaugural event promises a festive atmosphere, with children from Chance To Shine getting involved, while adult teams vie for victory across three matches alongside celebrity and professional players. Attendees can also relish in local South Asian cuisine and entertainment.
Furthermore, the event coincides with the lead-up to the joint series between England Women’s and Men’s teams against Pakistan, commencing with the Women’s T20I at Edgbaston on May 11, 2024.
