BLIND CRICKET

Blind cricket is very similar to cricket played by the sighted. The main difference being that the ball is bowled under arm and makes an audible noise that can be heard by the players.

Traditionally this game is played between two teams of eleven players made up of players with sight varying from totally blind to those with partial sight and is generally played on a one day basis with 40 overs per side and everyone is encouraged to participate either with bat or ball.

That is traditionally though, and the above is used at an international level. In recent times we have moved into the shorter Twenty/20 version of the game which can be over in 2 or 3 hours maximum. Still played similar to the traditional version of blind cricket, the only differences being the game is only 20 overs a side, boundaries are shorter and you can play with as little as 7 players a side.

National Tournaments aren't so common anymore. We hold a Twenty/20 tournament over Easter weekend and are working towards developing a summer series of either Twenty/20 or the traditional game.

The World Blind Cricket Council adminsters the game on an international basis and due to the NZBCA's affiliation with this governing body are able to participate in international competitions such as the Blind Cricket World Cups and test matches against other countries.