What is Tape ball?
A tape ball is a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape that is often used in informal games of cricket such as street cricket, also called tape ball cricket.
A first pioneered in Karachi, Pakistan, the tape ball acts as an improvised cricket ball with the tape stretched tightly over the fuzzy felt-like covering of a tennis ball to ensure a smooth surface that produces greater pace after bouncing.
Although most street games feature entirely covered varieties, tape balls may also be prepared such that only one side is taped to replicate reverse swing or, alternatively, they may have multiple layers of tape running down the middle to mimic the leather seam found on standard cricket balls.
Applying tape makes the ball heavier than a tennis ball, but not as hard or heavy as a cricket ball.
As such, this modification seeks to reduce the risks to players, passers-by and property.
All players are bound by following rules of Tape Ball Cricket in India:
Tape ball cricket, also known as street cricket or tape-ball cricket, is a popular form of cricket played in informal settings. While the rules may vary slightly depending on local customs and preferences, here is a detailed list of the typical rules followed in tape ball cricket:
- Teams: A tape ball cricket match is played between two teams, with each team consisting of 6 to 11 players.
- Playing Area: The game is usually played on a small ground, such as a street, backyard, or any other open space, without the use of a pitch.
- Ball: A tennis ball is wrapped with electrical or duct tape to create a tape ball. The ball is softer than a traditional cricket ball, making it safer for playing in confined spaces.
- Bat: Players use a regular cricket bat to hit the ball.
- Wicket/Stumps: The wicket consists of three stumps without bails, often marked by a small stone or a plastic marker on the ground.
- Overs: A tape ball cricket match is typically played with 6 to 10 overs per side. Each over consists of six legal deliveries.
- Bowling: The bowler must bowl the ball underarm, rolling it along the ground towards the batsman. The ball should bounce at least once before reaching the batsman.
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket): In tape ball cricket, LBW decisions are usually not enforced. However, some variations may choose to incorporate LBW rules.
- Wide Balls: If the ball is bowled too wide of the batsman’s reach, it is considered a wide and one extra run is awarded to the batting team.
- No-Balls: Similar to wide balls, a no-ball is called if the bowler oversteps the popping crease, bowls above the waist of the batsman, or delivers a ball considered unfair. No-balls result in one extra run for the batting team.
- Runs: Runs can be scored by the batsmen through various means:
a. Running between the wickets after hitting the ball.
b. Hitting the ball to the boundary (usually marked by specific predetermined lines on the ground).
c. Hitting the ball beyond the boundary without bouncing, resulting in a six. - Fielding: Fielders attempt to catch the ball or retrieve it quickly to prevent runs. There are no specific restrictions on the placement of fielders, but some informal rules may limit the number of fielders in certain areas, such as close to the batsman.
- Dismissals: Batsmen can be dismissed through various means:
a. Getting bowled if the ball hits the stumps.
b. Getting caught by a fielder.
c. Getting run out if the stumps are broken by a fielder before the batsman completes a run.
d. Getting stumped if the batsman steps out of the crease and the wicketkeeper breaks the stumps with the ball.
e. Getting hit wicket if the batsman hits the stumps with the bat or the body while attempting a shot.
f. Getting leg before wicket (LBW), if LBW rules are enforced. - Umpires: Matches are usually officiated by a single umpire, who makes decisions regarding dismissals, runs, and other on-field matters.