Tape-ball cricket, a remarkable innovation by the Pakistanis, is now gaining popularity in Australia. Pakistan has not only produced legendary cricketers but also introduced tape-ball cricket as a recognised form for short-format cricket. This unique version of the game has its roots in the streets of Karachi and has evolved into a beloved pastime, reflecting the ingenuity and passion of Pakistani cricket enthusiasts.
Since its inception, Pakistan has produced numerous legendary cricketers, from the likes of the “Little Master” Hanif Muhammad to the world-class Imran Khan. These players have not only brought glory to their nation but have also introduced new techniques and strategies that have enriched the game of cricket. Pakistan is known for its top batsmen, all-rounders, and bowlers, who have showcased their talent across cricket-loving nations.
But it was the boys roaming on the streets of Karachi, turning every available stretch of the road into their own mini-stadiums, who invented tape-ball cricket by wrapping electrical tape around a tennis ball, creating a unique and accessible version of the sport that allowed them to play in confined urban spaces. It was this innovation that led to the creation of the most popular format of the sport, Twenty20.
Historically, Pakistan has introduced many new techniques in bowling and batting. In pace bowling, legends like Fazal Mehmood, Sarfraz Nawaz, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar revolutionised the game. Wasim Akram’s reverse swing was unparalleled, making him one of the most feared bowlers of his time. Shoaib Akhtar, known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” became the first bowler to deliver a ball at the speed of 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) against England in the 2003 World Cup, securing his place in cricket history and earning accolades for his raw speed and aggressive style.
In spin bowling, Pakistani cricketers introduced new styles, such as the ‘googly’ in leg-spin by the legendary Abdul Qadir and the ‘doosra’ in off-spin by Saqlain Mushtaq. These innovations changed the face of spin bowling worldwide, making Pakistani spinners a formidable force in international cricket. Abdul Qadir’s mastery of the googly baffled batsmen, while Saqlain Mushtaq’s doosra added a new dimension to off-spin bowling, making him a pioneer in the art.
When it comes to batting, Pakistan has produced renowned names like Hanif Muhammad, Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Asif Iqbal, Wasim Raja, Javed Miandad, Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousaf (Yohana), Younis Khan, Misbahul Haq and today, Babar Azam. Javed Miandad earned his reputation as a master of singles and doubles, with exceptional running between the wickets. He introduced the reverse bat shot in international cricket, a tactic that added a new level of excitement and strategy to the game. When Kerry Packer launched the World Series Cricket in the 1970s, he contracted five top Pakistani cricketers, recognising their talent and appeal.
Today, it is a popular, formal game in Pakistan, played by both boys and girls. Sporting clubs organise tape-ball cricket tournaments in major cities, with the most famous tournaments held during the holy month of Ramadan
In addition to record-making achievements in world cricket, Pakistanis introduced tape-ball cricket in the 1960s. Even neighbouring Indians were unaware of tape-ball cricket for many decades. The history of tape-ball cricket began on the streets of Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. Boys would gather in the evenings and during school holidays to play cricket on the streets, empty roads, parks, and grounds. They created a taped ball by wrapping electrical tape around a tennis ball, hence the name “tape-ball cricket.” This innovative solution allowed them to play cricket in smaller, confined spaces without the risk of breaking windows or causing damage, making the game accessible to a wider audience.
Initially played only in Karachi – the melting pot for the entire country, tape-ball cricket soon spread to other cities and towns across Pakistan. Over time, this informal pastime for street boys evolved into a formal sport with tournaments and competitions in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. The simplicity and low cost of tape-ball cricket made it an ideal sport for youth from all backgrounds, fostering a love for the game that transcended socio-economic barriers.
Tape-ball cricket is generally a short-format game of six to eight overs, with teams of six to 10 players. Today, it is a popular, formal game in Pakistan, played by both boys and girls. Sporting clubs organise tape-ball cricket tournaments in major cities, with the most famous tournaments held during the holy month of Ramadan. These tournaments often take place during the cool of the night, providing a festive atmosphere where communities come together to celebrate their shared love for cricket. Many big corporate companies now sponsor these tournaments, offering substantial prize money for winners and runners-up, further elevating the status of tape-ball cricket.
In recent decades, tape-ball cricket has jumped Pakistan’s borders and gained popularity in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the UAE, and England. Now, it is also being introduced in Australia, with Pakistani migrants and descendants playing a significant role in promoting the game in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. These expatriate communities have brought their passion for tape-ball cricket to their new homes, organising informal games and local tournaments that attract players from diverse backgrounds.
Cricket NSW has recognised the popularity of tape-ball cricket among South Asian communities and decided to promote it as a fun and festive activity to celebrate multiculturalism and engage children and youth from non-cricket-playing backgrounds. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and inclusivity, using the universal appeal of cricket to bridge cultural divides.
The initiative for the tape-ball cricket competition was proposed by a Pakistani descent, Suffan Hassan, a Multicultural Engagement Specialist at Cricket NSW. After thorough feasibility and viability studies, Cricket NSW is set to introduce this competition for the first time in NSW under the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Sydney Thunder. The launch will take place at Cricket Central, located in Sydney Olympic Park. This strategic location will ensure that the event is accessible to a large number of participants and spectators, further boosting its visibility and impact.
This event will not only involve playing and watching tape-ball cricket but also showcase traditional Pakistani festivities, making it a fun-filled day for youth and families
The introduction of the tape-ball cricket competition under Sydney Thunder aims to significantly boost the popularity of tape-ball cricket in multicultural NSW. The NSW Government and Multicultural NSW are also supporting this innovative sporting project, recognising its potential to enhance community engagement and promote physical activity among youth.
The launch event will feature a vibrant cultural festival, which is expected to attract cricket-loving families from diverse communities. This event will not only involve playing and watching tape-ball cricket but also showcase traditional Pakistani festivities, making it a fun-filled day for youth and families. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience Pakistani music, food, and other cultural activities, creating a rich and immersive cultural experience.
The launch of the tape-ball cricket competition will be held on June 29, 2024, from 12pm to 4pm at Cricket Central, 161 Silverwater Road, Sydney Olympic Park. The event is free for everyone, and members of the multicultural community are encouraged to participate with their families. Interested players or clubs can find more details here. This inclusive approach ensures that the event is accessible to all, promoting wider participation and community engagement.
Cricket NSW invites everyone to attend the launch of the Tape-Ball League and Cultural Festival. The six-week-long “Sydney Thunder Tape Ball League” tournament will commence on August 26 at Blacktown International Sports Park. This tournament will provide a platform for talented tape-ball cricketers to showcase their skills and compete at a high level, further raising the sport’s profile.
The introduction of tape-ball cricket in Australia represents a significant step in the globalisation of this innovative version of cricket. By embracing tape-ball cricket, Australia not only acknowledges the contributions of its South Asian communities but also enriches its own sporting culture. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar programs in other parts of the world, promoting a more inclusive and diverse cricketing community.
In conclusion, tape-ball cricket is a testament to the creativity and passion of Pakistani cricket enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings in the streets of Karachi sixty years ago, it has grown into a recognised and celebrated form of cricket, inspiring players and fans around the world. The upcoming launch of the Tape-Ball Cricket competition in NSW under the Sydney Thunder franchise marks an exciting new chapter in the history of this dynamic sport, promising fun, festivity, and fierce competition for all involved.