05-05-2025
On this day in 2024: Bradford hosts inaugural tape ball competition
On this day in 2024, the Telegraph and Argus reported on a tape ball competition that had taken place in Bradford.
The inaugural National Core Cities Tape Ball Competition was held in Bradford Park Avenue the week prior to the 2024 reporting.
The event saw Kirklees Hawks and Slough Superstars claim the men's and women's titles respectively.
Bradford sportsman, cricketer Adil Rashid, made a special guest appearance at the competition.
Sohail Raz, diverse communities manager for Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, said: "Tape ball is exciting and accessible.
"You just need a bat, a ball, tape, and away you go.
"You also don't need protective equipment– like helmets, pads, and gloves – so it also removes that cost barrier.
"Park Avenue provided a fantastic facility to welcome teams from each of the Core Cities – Birmingham, Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds, Leicester, London, Essex and Surrey, Luton, Manchester, Sandwell, and Slough."
The event also featured a DJ, dhol drummers, and food.
Mr Raz praised Adil Rashid's presence, saying: "To have an international star and two-time World Cup winner supporting the event was an unforgettable memory for everyone and an experience that the community will cherish for a long time."
More information about tape ball is available at
