OUR VISION

TBCAI aims to foster and promote the spirit of Tape Ball Cricket across the nation, providing a platform for everyone. Our vision is to create a thriving community where players of all background can come together, celebrate their love for the sport and showcase their skills in a competitive and inclusive environment. We strive to elevate the popularity and recognition of Tape Ball Cricket in India, emphasizing its unique blend of excitement, camaraderie and grassroots participation. Through our efforts, we envision Tape Ball Cricket become a recognized and cherished part of the Indian sporting landscape, inspiring and empowering individuals to embrace the joy of the game.

Dr. Anthony B. Fernandes

(Chairman & Technical Director TBCAI)

OUR AIM

“Our aim is to support all members of the society and give an equal opportunity to all Tape Ball Cricket enthusiast’s, regardless of their gender, age, cast, or color. We believe that India’s strength not only lies in it’s economy and military but also in the health and military but also in the health and vitality of it’s people. We encourage all sports and are avid supporters of “Khelo India” movement. JAI HIND”

HISTOR OF TAPEBALL

The practice of modifying tennis ball using electrical tape originated in Karachi street cricket during the 1960’s gaining popularity in neighborhood such as Nazimabad and the Federal B. Area. This innovation was an improvement upon previous unsuccessful attempts by local bowlers who would wet shaved tennis ball to increase their weight and skidding potential after bouncing. The introduction of Tape Ball Cricket aimed to include individuals who lacked access to proper pitches and protective equipment while also addressing the challenges posed by skilled bowlers extracting significant spin from tennis balls.

Notably former first-class cricketer Nadeem Moosa played a key role in developing tape ball techniques using a unique grip by squeezing the ball between his middle finger and thumb before releasing it. However the glossy surface of a tape ball made it difficult to maintain this unorthodox carom-like grip, favoring bowlers who focused on speed rather than spin. This new style of play instilled determination and resilience in emerging batsman like Javed Miandad who was involved in the early tape ball science in Gazdarabad, enabling them to face the fastest bowlers. During the 1980’s organized tape ball cricket circuits began to emerge across Pakistan featuring competitive games with several hundred spectators and formal rules. Tournaments such as ‘K2 Brother Cricket Tournament’ specified the number of players over per side and use of high-quality tape from the Japanese manufacturer NETTO. Hitting a ball into a house was deemed as immediate dismissal in this tournament. The tape ball trend expanded to affluent areas, such as Defense and Clifton during this period attracting players from lower and upper classes alike. Professional tape ball players emerged highly skilled cricketers who were hired to play for different teams in exchange for modest payment. Notably Wasim Akram started his career as a professional tape ball player in Lahore in 1983, a year before making his test match debut.

By the early 90’s tape ball cricket had gained popularity in nearly every city with many of Pakistan’s national cricket team members having grown up playing the sport. The 1992 World Cup victory fueled interest in the game, particularly among a new generation of fan who were inspired by their country’s achievements. Participating in amateur tape ball cricket tournaments brought non-pecuniary rewards including community respect and personal pride. Successful players were celebrated with guards, gunfire, salutes and parades to the grounds on horseback.

Tape ball cricket game became entrenched in Pakistan’s sporting culture, spreading to slums, mountains and even battlefields becoming widespread phenomenon by the end of 20th century. Ramdan tape ball cricket tournaments became annual celebrations held during the holy month of Ramdan. These informal tournaments lasting from 5 overs to 25 overs were often played late into the evenings providing a brief period of reaction before daily fasting and morning players commenced. In 1999 Tariq Ali Sport highlighting the enduring popularity of tape ball cricket.