Tennis ball cricket facts for kids
Tennis ball cricket is a fun and popular type of cricket. Instead of a hard cricket ball, players use a tennis ball. This game is super popular in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Many people from these countries who live in places like the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Canada also love to play it. Kids and teenagers especially enjoy it because a tennis ball is easier to hit and safer than a hard cricket ball. It's soft, so it's less likely to cause injuries.
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How to Play Tennis Ball Cricket
This game uses a special kind of tennis ball that's often a bit harder than the ones you use for regular tennis. The games are usually shorter than professional cricket matches. They can last anywhere from six to twenty-five overs.
Because the ball is soft, players usually don't need to wear lots of protective gear. Things like gloves, pads, and helmets are often optional.
Where is it Played?
One cool thing about tennis ball cricket is that you can play it almost anywhere! Often, the "ground" might be a street, a park, or even a backyard. Because of this, players sometimes make up special rules for their game. For example, if the ball hits a house, it might be "out."
In India, popular tennis ball brands include NODENS, Cosco, or Vicky. In the U.S. and Canada, players might use Wilson or Slazenger balls.
Tournaments and Competitions
Tennis ball cricket games are shorter, which makes them perfect for playing on weekends or for fun. In South Asian cities and villages, you'll often see games happening on streets, roads, or even in open fields.
In Middle Eastern countries, people sometimes play in the open desert. In the USA and Canada, players might use baseball fields, which are great for this type of cricket.
Famous Players Who Started with Tennis Ball Cricket
Many international cricket stars actually began their journey playing tennis ball cricket! For example, Sunil Gavaskar, a famous Indian cricketer, used to play "gully cricket" (street cricket). This helped him become great at hitting the ball in certain areas of the field.
Another player, Kedar Jadhav, also climbed up the ranks after playing in many tennis ball tournaments for years. It shows that even simple games can help you become a professional!
