Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2026
Throughout July, Lancashire Cricket and Lancashire Cricket Foundation are proud to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month 2026, embracing this years theme "Unity in Diversity".
This year, our joint focus is on Tapeball Cricket – a format of the game that originated on the streets of Karachi, Pakistan, and has become a hugely popular way to play cricket across South Asian communities around the world.
While tapeball has long been enjoyed within South Asian communities, our ambition is to introduce even more people to this exciting, accessible format. Throughout July and beyond, we'll be using tapeball to bring together players from every background, creating new opportunities for people to play together, learn from one another and strengthen connections across Lancashire's cricket communities.
Jen Barden, Managing Director of Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said:
"South Asian Heritage Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the communities that have shaped cricket across Lancashire. Tapeball cricket brings people together in a unique way, and we're excited to welcome teams, families and supporters for a day that celebrates culture, community and the power of cricket. We're proud of the exciting plans we have to make the game more welcoming, inclusive and accessible for everyone."
What's Happening Throughout July?
ECB Cricket Cities Tapeball World Cup
Join us on Sunday 12 July at QEGS, Lammack Playing Fields, Harrison Lane, Blackburn (BB1 8JX) for the ECB Cricket Cities Tapeball World Cup.
The tournament will welcome participants from across the UK and around the world, with many experiencing organised tapeball cricket for the first time. The event perfectly reflects this year's South Asian Heritage Month theme by celebrating a format of cricket with South Asian roots that is now bringing together people from diverse communities.
Chance to Shine Street Tapeball Festivals
During July, young people from our Chance to Shine Street programmes in Preston and Bolton will come together for tapeball cricket festivals, introducing more players to this exciting and inclusive format of the game.
Tape a Ball Challenge
Think you've got the quickest hands?
Wrap a tennis ball into a match-ready tapeball as fast as you can, film your attempt and share it on social media.
Use #TapeItToWinIt so we can find your entry. The fastest successful entry will win a Tapeball Cricket Bat.
Help Shape the Future of Tapeball Cricket
Lancashire Cricket Foundation wants to hear from you. Throughout South Asian Heritage Month we're asking players, clubs, volunteers and communities to complete our Tapeball Cricket survey and help shape the future of the game across Lancashire.
We're looking for feedback on how, where and when people want to play tapeball cricket, so we can develop more opportunities for everyone to get involved in the years ahead.
Celebrating Our Community
Throughout South Asian Heritage Month we'll also be sharing stories from participants, coaches and volunteers celebrating their South Asian heritage, recognising the contribution South Asian communities continue to make to cricket across Lancashire and inspiring more people to get involved in the game.
Whether you're discovering tapeball for the first time or have grown up playing it, we invite everyone to get involved as we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month and continue to grow this exciting format of cricket across Lancashire.