Groups Confirmed as Excitement Builds for the 2026 ECB Cricket Cities Ramadan Cup
Excitement is building ahead of the 2026 ECB Cricket Cities Ramadan Cup (March 2nd - 11th) at Emirates Old Trafford.
Now firmly established as a highlight of the tapeball calendar, the eagerly awaited tournament will once again bring together the region’s top community teams for two weeks of late-night, high-intensity cricket.
Nine teams have been drawn into three competitive groups. Group A features Cheetham Hill, Stockport and Rochdale. Group B brings together Oldham, NBCA and Ashton Tigers, while Group C includes Chadderton, Manchester Titans and Manchester Stallions. Matches will be played nightly between 10pm and midnight, creating a unique Ramadan atmosphere under the lights.
Following the group stages, the competition will culminate in three showcase finals evenings, where teams will compete for the ECB Cricket Cities Ramadan Cup, Bowl and Plate. This structure ensures every match carries importance and gives all teams the opportunity to compete for silverware.
The tournament celebrates tapeball cricket, a widely accessible and fast-growing format of the game. Originating in Karachi, Pakistan, this informal version of cricket has expanded across the globe and continues to grow in popularity, particularly within South Asian communities.
Played with a taped-up tennis ball, tapeball cricket produces unique swing and bounce variations on almost any surface. Its simplicity means the game can be played virtually anywhere, without the need for protective equipment such as helmets or pads. This accessibility has helped fuel its rapid rise and made it a powerful tool for bringing communities together.
Supported by the ECB, the Ramadan Cup showcases the strength of grassroots cricket in the North West while providing a competitive platform during the Holy Month. After breaking their fasts and evening prayers, players take to the pitch in a tournament that blends sport, culture and community spirit.
With teams preparing and anticipation mounting, the 2026 edition promises another thrilling chapter in the continued growth of tapeball cricket.