The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched the first-ever National Core Cities Tape Ball Competition to make cricket more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of people.
Tape ball cricket is a popular variation of the sport that originated in Pakistan. It uses a tennis ball wrapped in tape to create different swing and bounce effects, making the game more exciting. Unlike traditional cricket, it doesn’t require protective gear and can be played on any surface, allowing more people to enjoy the game.
The competition is designed to showcase the top talent in tape ball cricket from urban areas across England and Wales. It aims to bring communities together through cricket and promote the sport in areas where it might not be as popular.
Well-known England cricket stars such as Adil Rashid, Dawid Malan, Heather Knight, and Sophie Ecclestone have shown their support for the initiative, helping to raise awareness and encourage participation.
Tape ball cricket was identified as a potential area for growth during the Core Cities Summit in 2023 because of its casual and inclusive nature. By hosting the annual competition, the ECB hopes to make tape ball cricket more popular and invite more people from different backgrounds to get involved in the sport. The matches will take place in various cities, offering a welcoming and fun experience for all.
