All players are registered blind or partially sighted. Of the eleven players in the team, at least four must be totally blind. BBS seeks to encourage young cricketers to participate and develop their skills in the game. RNIB New College, Worcester and the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC), Hereford both have teams and there is an annual junior competition called the Kersey Cup held at Lord's.
BBS run the domestic Cup competition with BCEW running the league.
In 2008 the BCEW Nemesys blind cricket league will comprise of 7 teams: Birmingham, London, Metro, Northants, South Wales, Sussex and Warwickshire. For more details on the league Click here
The 2008 BBS Primary Club National Knockout Cup will feature 9 teams, all 7 league teams as well as Eastern Vipers and Northern Galloways. This is blind cricket's oldest competition as it started in 1979 and since the early 90's the final as been played at Lords Cricket Ground, the home of world cricket!
BCEW are also responsible for running the England Blind Cricket team who have represented the England and Wales Cricket Board in three Blind Cricket World Cups and have finished third in all three. The team have toured Australia, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, as well as playing in two world cups in India as well as one in Pakistan and hosting India, Pakistan and Australia in the UK. In 2008 England will host the West Indies before defending the Ashes in Australia at the end of the year.
For more information on the England team or the international game in general including England winning the first ever Ashes series in 2004 Click Here
On a less competitive level, many clubs play friendly matches against sighted teams and give demonstrations of the game during the lunch intervals of Test Matches. BBS's former President is Bill Frindall who ensures that Blind Cricket is frequently mentioned on BBC radio's Test Match Special.
The main difference between standard Cricket and Blind Cricket is the ball. A size three football is used in UK Blind Cricket to help the partially sighted players to see it and it is filled with a quantity of ball bearings to allow the totally blind players to hear it. The MCC Laws of Cricket have also been adapted in other ways in an attempt to allow blind and partially sighted people to compete on equal terms. The major variations are as follows:
- The wicket is larger, making it easier for the partially sighted players to see and easier for a Batsman or Bowler to touch for the purpose of orientatation.
- The ball must pitch at least twice before the crease of a totally blind Batsman but must not be rolling.
- The ball must pitch at least once before the crease of a partially sighted Batsman.
- A totally blind Batsman is given one chance before being given out LBW and cannot be stumped.
- The Bowler must ask the Batsman if he is ready before beginning his run up and shout "play" as he releases the ball.
- A totally blind Fielder can make a catch after the ball has bounced once.
Because of the nationwide and international scope of this sport BBS and BCEW are always looking for new sponsors to help support the work of their Cricket Committee's and provide opportunity and encouragement to young visually impaired cricketers. Volunteer Umpires and Scorers are always welcome. If you'd like to get involved as a sponsor or make a donation please Click Here
And if you're interested in getting involved as a player, scorer or umpire or have any further enquiries about blind cricket including media enquirys, please Click Here