Pakistani Legends Sign Up for Tape-Ball Cricket in Sharjah

Sharjah: Two of Pakistan’s biggest cricket legends, Shahid Afridi and Inzamam-ul-Haq, are returning to the field, but this time, it’s not for an international match. Instead, they’re gearing up to play tape ball cricket, the street version of the game that many Pakistani cricketers grow up playing.

The match is being held at the famous Sharjah Cricket Stadium, a place full of history for fans of Pakistan cricket. Joining Shahid Afridi and Inzamam ul Haq is Sri Lankan star Tillakaratne Dilshan, as well as other big names like Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Tanvir, Saeed Ajmal, Imran Nazir, Sharjeel Khan, and Umar Akmal.

Speaking to a private news channel, Inzamam said, “Every cricketer in Pakistan starts with tape ball cricket. This isn’t something unusual; it’s a step to discover new talent and reignite the passion for the game.”

Every kid in Pakistan is familiar with tape ball cricket, which is played with a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape and doesn’t require the rigmarole of full cricket gear. It’s where many Pakistani stars first learned the game.

Shahid Afridi, famous for carrying his big-hitting style from tape ball to the international stage, shared his feelings: “I started my career with tape ball cricket, and playing it again at the historic Sharjah Stadium is a nostalgic and incredible experience.”

The event’s organizers say this is more than just a fun match—it’s a way to promote young talent and bring new energy into cricket. “Sharjah is once again hosting a spectacular cricketing event, blending nostalgia with the promise of fresh talent,” they said.

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For fans, it’s a rare treat to see legends including Shahid Afridi and Inzamam-ul-Haq back in action, playing the kind of cricket that started it all. And for young players, it’s a chance to dream big just like Afridi and Inzamam once did—with a tape-wrapped ball and a bat in hand.