The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has just launched a brand new initiative – the National Core Cities Tape Ball Competition. This exciting development aims to promote inclusivity in cricket by celebrating the popular tape ball format played in diverse communities across the country.
Tape ball cricket goes international!
Tape ball cricket, a variation originating in Pakistan, uses a taped tennis ball for an unpredictable bounce. It is played without protective gear, making it accessible for everyone, anywhere. Identified as a key area for growth, the ECB will now host annual competitions with teams from Birmingham, Bradford and other core cities vying for the title.
The competition kicks off this weekend in Bradford and the launch event in Birmingham will be a true cricket festival. Expect England stars like Adil Rashid and Heather Knight alongside local teams, kids trying the game. And a vibrant atmosphere fueled by delicious South Asian food and entertainment.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the upcoming Pakistan series as England gears up to face their cricketing rivals. “The British Pakistani community is cricket mad and the upcoming series is going to be incredible”, said Adil Rasheed.
Also read: Indian Captain Rohit Sharma Says, “Pakistan-India Test Cricket Would Be Awesome”
“Tape ball is a fantastically accessible form of cricket. We want to make cricket the most inclusive sport in the country and this competition offers a chance for everyone to play and potentially be discovered”, stated Leshia Hawkins, ECB Managing Director. The ECB hopes the tape ball competition will further ignite this passion and provide a platform for untapped talent.
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