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What is visually impaired Cricket?
The rules of blind cricket are based on the standard Laws of cricket with some essential modifications.
In terms of playing equipment, the major adaptation is the ball, which is significantly larger than a standard cricket ball and filled with ball bearings. The size allows partially sighted players to see the ball and the contents allow blind players to hear it. The wicket (stumps) is also larger, to allow partially sighted players to see and blind players to touch it in order to correctly orient themselves when batting or bowling.
Various other modifications to the rules apply. Verbal signals are widely used both by umpires and players: in particular, the bowler must shout ‘Play!’ as he releases the ball. The delivery is required to pitch at least twice when bowled to a completely blind batsman (once when bowled to a partially sighted batsman), but must not be rolling. Totally blind batsmen cannot be out stumped, and must be found to be LBWtwice before going out. Totally blind fielders are allowed to take a catch on the bounce.
Combined teams of blind and partially sighted players play visually impaired cricket. There are 2 versions of cricket for people with visual impairments; an international version and an English rules discipline. The domestic competitions in this country use the English rules version.
- BCEW National League: Single innings matches
- BBS Primary Club National Knockout Cup: Limited overs matches
- BCEW Twenty20 Cup: 20 overs matches
If you want to improve your stamina and balance, while enhancing your social and team working skills, cricket is a great sport to try.
A Blind Cricket video is below. The video audio does cut off before the end , but not before the Raghav R the video creator explains Blind cricket well and with feeling.
How do I play visually impaired Cricket?
The English rules version is based on the traditional, sighted laws of cricket, with a few alterations to make it accessible to blind and partially sighted players.
- A size 3 football with ball bearings is used to allow partially sighted players to see it and blind players to hear it
- Wickets are larger so batsman and bowlers can touch them to orientate themselves
- For blind batsman, the ball must bounce at least twice before reaching the crease
- For partially sighted batsman, the ball must bounce at least once before reaching the crease
- A totally blind batsman is given one chance before being given out for LBW
- A batsman who is totally blind cannot be stumped
- A totally blind batsman receives double runs
- A fielder who is totally blind can make a catch after the ball has bounced once
I want to Know more?
For more details on Metro’s cricketing activities, please contact Rory Field rory_field@yahoo.co.uk.
Where do the Cricket games take place?
Home Games are held at Highgate Woods.
Away Games venues depend on the other teams playing and draw for that season.
VIsit the Metro blind Sport Cricket Event list to see this seasons cricket venues and events.
Where does the training take place?
Training is also held at the cricket nets at Highgate Wood on Monday evenings in the cricket season. Out of Season Net training is often held at Lords Cricket ground.
Metro play their home matches at Highgate Wood
Where can I play visually impaired Cricket outside of London?
There are a number of visually impaired cricket clubs around the country, competing in a league and cup competitions. To find your nearest club or if you want more information about cricket, contact British Blind Sport via telephone or email.
To compete in the national league or cup competitions, you will need a sight classification. This ensures all of the cricketers are playing in a fair and equal competition. Classifications can often be expensive, but if you become a British Blind Sport member, sight classifications for these national league and competitions are included for free!
Address British Blind Sport,Pure Offices, Plato Close,Tachbrook Park,Leamington Spa
Warwickshire,CV34 6WE
Telephone 01926 424247