What is tape ball?

Tape ball is a widely accessible format of cricket. Originating in Karachi, Pakistan, the casual version of the game has expanded across the globe continuing to gain popularity particularly within South Asian communities.

The game is centred around a taped-up tennis ball, which creates swing and bounce variations on any surface. This means it can be played anywhere, with no need for protective equipment like helmets or pads.

Where can I play?

Tape ball cricket is already played in many places – and it’s something you can play informally anywhere. In 2024, the ECB launched the National Core Cities Tape Ball Competition, a tournament to encourage men and women from the identified core cities to get involved in the game.

Who is it aimed at?

The competition will feature teams from the ECB’s core cities - Birmingham, Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds, Leicester, London (Middlesex, Essex and Surrey), Luton, Manchester, Sandwell, Slough or Nottingham.

Interested in joining a team? Sign up HERE! 

What are the rules?

Playing 

• 8 players per side, 8 overs per side, 5 balls per over (this event will be 6 players per side)

• A maximum of 2 fielders are allowed to field beyond the stumps at the bowler’s end.

• The umpire’s decision is final!

Bowling 

• 7 different bowlers must bowl, and one bowler gets 2 overs.

• Wides, No balls (front foot and height) count as 3 runs awarded to batting team, No free hit

• All normal dismissals count except LBW, and you can be caught off the walls or ceiling with one hand. 

Batting 

• Once a batter reaches 30 runs, they must retire unless they are the last batter, and no batters are waiting to bat or return.

• Retired batters can bat again once everyone has batted and must return in the order in which they retired first.

• Leg byes count as long as a legitimate shot is offered.

• Overthrows count, once the ball has hit the first net/wall no more runs can be scored but batter can still be run out. 

Scoring 

• Runs can be scored off all 4 walls and the ceiling.

• All runs between the wickets will count as 2 runs.