The recently concluded Ramdhan Tape Ball Cricket Tournament, managed by Oman Tape Ball Cricket Club (OTC), showcased the growing popularity of this exciting cricket format in Oman. This successful event was made possible through collaboration between Pakistan School Muscat represented by Mr. Ameer Hamza, Mr. Irshad, and Mr. Abdul Qayyum, along with legendary former cricketer Mr. Syed Zaidi.
The tournament’s success was further ensured by OTC’s dedicated team including Mr. Ahmad Raza Qadri (Vice Chairman-OTC), Mr. Mohsin Sheikh (General Secretary-OTC), Mr. Syed Zaib, Mr. Kaleem, Mr. Ahmad Ghuman, Mr. Usman Hashmi, and many other volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
The competition featured 32 teams battling for supremacy, with Jazz Boys and Pizza Modo emerging as the finalists after weeks of thrilling matches. The final showdown drew an impressive crowd of approximately 1,000 spectators who witnessed Jazz Boys claim victory in a riveting contest. The event’s festive atmosphere was enhanced by food stalls and corn flake vendors that kept fans energized throughout the matches.
Tape ball cricket, a variant that uses a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape, has become a beloved form of the sport across South Asia and now globally. Its accessibility makes it ideal for street play and organized tournaments alike, requiring minimal equipment while maintaining the core excitement of traditional cricket. The format’s fast-paced nature, with its emphasis on quick reflexes and explosive batting, has contributed to its rising popularity.
Notably, Oman Tape Ball Cricket Club’s affiliation with the International Tape Ball Council (ITC) highlights the growing legitimacy and international recognition of this cricket format. This partnership opens doors for Omani players to potentially participate in international tape ball competitions in the future.
The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony where numerous accolades were distributed. Outstanding performers received recognition in categories including Man of the Match, Player of the Tournament, Best Bowler, and Best Batsman, each accompanied by valuable prizes. Mr. Qamar Riaz presented the runners-up, Pizza Modo, with a prize of 500 USD, while Mr. Zahid Shakoor CH, Chairman of Oman Cricket Club, had the honor of presenting the championship award to Jazz Boys.
This tournament represents a significant milestone in OTC’s mission to promote tape ball cricket under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Zahid Shakoor and the guidance of the International Tape Ball Council. The event’s success demonstrates the growing appeal of tape ball cricket in Oman and highlights the potential for further growth.
The Oman Tape Ball Cricket Club extends an invitation to all cricket enthusiasts to join, support, and participate in upcoming events. Community engagement is vital for the continued development of tape ball cricket not only in Oman but throughout the region.
As the final ball was bowled and the celebrations began, the Ramdhan Tape Ball Cricket Tournament proved to be more than just a sporting event—it was a celebration of passion, community spirit, and the universal love for cricket that transcends boundaries and brings people together through the joy of sport.
great effort