HISTORY OF TENNIS BALL CRICKET GAME

A game quite similar to Cricket had been in existence in India and played for many years in the past, even much earlier than the game started in Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Kenya. However, there is no definite record of its origin in India as to when Tennis Ball Cricket was first started in India or in other Asian countries as well.

The first Tennis Ball Cricket body was framed in 1982 by Late N. U. Siddiqui, known as the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India (TBCFI). In fact, Tennis Ball Cricket was more popular in Mumbai, Gujarat, U.P., and Bihar due to the enthusiasm of the public and their love for the players as well as for the game. Gujarat is renowned as the “Macro of India” for this game, but it later spread and gained popularity in other parts of the country and abroad.

The game gained popularity because it was cheap and of short time duration. It looks more enthusiastic and thrilling when played under floodlights. The game is being played by both Men & Women categories.

Finally, the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India (TBCFI) was framed in 1994 in letter and spirit. An Indian team visited Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Bangkok under this authority. The U.R., under the dynamic leadership of Shari A. A. Lari, played a very significant role in conducting various Federation/National level championships before its recognition from the Government of India.

He also invited various teams from abroad to play in India before its recognition. It is pertinent to mention that Dr. B. K. Sinha (IPS), President of TBCFI, played a significant and decisive role and succeeded in getting recognition for this game from the Union Ministry.

The Federation was finally recognized by the Union Government on 23rd April 1999. The TBCFI organizes National Championships in all age groups i.e., Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior every year, besides Federation All India Tournaments for both groups.