This September, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation competed in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Cricket Cities National Tapeball Competition for the second year running. 32 teams travelled to Blackburn from across the country in a fast-paced tapeball tournament. 14 women’s teams played on the Saturday, and 18 men’s teams played on the Sunday.
So what is tapeball cricket?
Tapeball cricket is an inclusive and accessible format of cricket. Originating in Pakistan, this format has grown in popularity, particularly within South Asian communities. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, and there is no need for protective equipment, just simply grab a bat, stumps, and a taped-up tennis ball. Unlike other formats of cricket, tapeball cricket provides short-format, fast-paced cricket with innings lasting only 20 balls in some cases.
Competition Format
Unlike last year, this year’s format merged indoor and outdoor tapeball cricket. Due to weather, the women’s matches were all played indoors, with the newly formed team winning three of their five games and only losing one of their games by a single run. One of the players was Raheema Shahzad, Captain of Pak Bristolians Cricket Club Women’s Team, who provided a highlight of the entire weekend through a triple-wicket maiden on her first day of tapeball cricket, a huge achievement that should be celebrated. To add to the celebrations, the men’s team played a combination of indoor games and outdoor games and won the second-place trophy.
Each team consisted of 8 players, with each innings being only four overs of five balls, highlighting the fast-paced nature of tapeball cricket. Where games were played indoors, teams could gain wickets through one-handed catches off walls. Where games were played outdoors, a traditional boundary was utilised to score boundaries, with a grass wicket being replaced by a non-turf pitch.
Wider Community Impact
Tapeball cricket, and cricket activity in general, is more than just the activity itself, it’s about bringing together communities through the sport. Amongst the fast-paced tapeball cricket games played over the weekend, over 300 players from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds came together through music, Dhol drums and delicious food.
Interested in getting involved?
As part of the ECB’s Cricket Cities Initiative, the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is developing opportunities for community tapeball cricket.
Starting on Sunday 1st November, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is starting a Women’s Tape Ball Hub at City Academy Sports Centre from 1-2.30. The sessions will be delivered in an indoor space by a qualified female coach and are free to attend. The sessions will run across the year, excluding the Christmas break. If you are interested, sign up today!
Starting in November, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is delivering their first-ever Men’s Indoor Tapeball League at John Cabot Academy. With five teams entered into the league, the league will bring together community-oriented teams, one of which is the team that entered the National Tapeball Competition this September.
To celebrate Ramadan in February 2027, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is planning to deliver a Ramadan Tournament Night for the Muslim community. Located at the SEAT Unique Stadium, faith centres, community groups and nomadic cricket clubs will come together through Iftar and cricket activity to win the Ramadan Cup. If you are interested, register your interest today!
Finally, if you are interested in getting your child involved in tapeball cricket, we run youth sessions on Thursdays for girls and Sundays for all genders at City Academy Sports Centre for free!
To find out more about tapeball opportunities, please contact Jen Muckle, Diverse Communities Manager at Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation.
