Lancashire Disability Squad to Represent Ireland at Cricket Cities Tapeball World Cup
The ECB Cricket Cities Inclusion Festival has landed a major coup with members of the Lancashire Disability Cricket Squad set to represent Ireland at this year's Tapeball World Cup in Blackburn.
Players who normally compete in the D40 Quest National League will swap hardball cricket for the fast-paced world of tape ball cricket, bringing quality, experience and an inspiring inclusion story to one of the festival's showcase events. Several squad members have strong family ties to Ireland and will proudly wear the green jersey.
Head Coach John Hughes said: "Everyone is really looking forward to playing. It's a first for nearly all the squad playing Tapeball Cricket and I'm looking forward to seeing what the format can bring out of our players."The event is part of Lancashire Cricket's celebrations of South Asian Heritage Month 2026, whose theme is Unity in Diversity.
That message is reflected perfectly through tape ball cricket, which originated on the streets of Karachi, Pakistan, before spreading across South Asian communities and cricketing cultures around the world.
Event Highlights
- ECB Cricket Cities Tapeball World Cup
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Lancashire Disability Squad confirmed as representing Ireland
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7 Nations now confirmed
- Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month and Unity in Diversity
- Harrison Playing Fields, Lammack (off Lammack Road), Blackburn
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Starts at 10am
- Free admission for spectators
Tape ball cricket is played with a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape, creating extra swing, bounce and pace while requiring minimal equipment. Its accessibility has helped the format grow from its South Asian roots into a global game enjoyed by communities everywhere.
As a proud ECB Cricket City, Blackburn is delighted to host an event that celebrates cricket, culture, inclusion and community in equal measure.
Last chance to enter! Teams can still sign up for the six-a-side tournament and choose the nation they wish to represent. Register your team by Wednesday, 24th June 2026: