Imagine playing cricket, but indoors! What a twist, you might be wondering! An increase in urbanisation triggered the invention of box cricket, a fast-paced indoor variant of the traditional game. Due to the lack of space outdoors, a new variant of the same game came into existence.
Many sports enthusiasts sought ways to introduce cricket to smaller spaces and confined indoor settings like gymnasiums and community halls. However, in the initial days, only a few people chose box cricket over cricket. Still, after the pandemic, the game has continued to surge because of its accessibility, existing in different weather conditions, and shorter match durations, allowing people to play it with more fun and interest. In this blog, let's look at the box cricket rules and the game in detail.
What is Box Cricket?
Cricket played within a confined setting and in a specified place covered overall is called box cricket. It emerged as an alternative to the traditional game with a changed module covering a smaller space, encouraging the players to try a new variant of the old game. The constrained and the confined spaces are why many urban dwellers are making it a popular choice. The best thing about box cricket is that it is highly engaging, promoting physical activity, but not with the time commitment; players can flex their time based on their schedules. It is also called indoor cricket or caged cricket to redefine its potential. Earlier, the game was selective among the players, but due to increased urbanisation, the game started flourishing more and became a good alternative to outdoor cricket. Joining a renowned sports community can help you learn the game thoroughly.
History of the Box Cricket Game.
The history of box cricket dates back to the early 1980s in Mumbai, and later, it started to spread across other metropolitan cities in India. Over the years, box cricket, also known as turf cricket, has undergone various changes and has taken a new route.
The modifications involved include:
The fixed batting slots for some duration.
A reduction in the team size.
Introduction to the soft tennis balls.
The area specified.
The end of the 20th century has given rise to box cricket or turf cricket, where urbanisation paced in several cities across India.
Rising Popularity of the Game:
The main reason why these games have become popular is because of the time flex that they give the players within the restricted environment. The box cricket is mostly popular in cities, which are densely populated. The game has even become much more popular and has also been organised in many places. The demand for the box cricket leagues in India is persistently increasing, and multiple players are registered. With many sponsors and a huge audience, the game still exists and is ruling in the people's hearts.
Apart from the game, the tools used for this box cricket also differ from those of other games. It helps the trainers to get trained well. The bats used in cricket are lightweight compared to those used in the traditional game. It has a good impact and enables the players to choose wisely their field of interest, with control.
Cricket vs Box Cricket: What is the Difference?
A controversy begins when two things are similar and have the same fan base. Similarly, the topic for the debate is the difference between box cricket and cricket. Many say that box cricket is a better option, whereas the other half of the population still appreciates the value of traditional cricket. However, there is a difference between the games, which has to be analysed to derive a conclusion.
So, when it comes to cricket, eleven players in a team play on an oval-shaped ground with its own sets of predefined rules. On the other hand, box cricket has fewer than six members with a confined and restricted area for the game.
Regarding the equipment, the cricket uses well-optimised equipment like cricket bats, balls, protective gear like helmets, gloves, pads, the larger field for the game, etc. This isn't the same in the case of box cricket, where smaller and softer balls are used with lightweight bats, protective gear of something that isn't used at all.
The time zone is also different for both cricket and box cricket. The cricket takes place for a few hours to days in matches like T20. And in box cricket, the game can last up to 6-12 overs per inning.
Box Cricket Rules:
The box cricket rules are different from the cricket rules. Here are some of the box cricket rules that I have listed.
The match format involves 6 players and 6 overs for -the match, whereas 2 players aside.
The over-per-bowler limit for 1 bowler is a maximum of 2 overs, whereas for the rest of the players, it is only 1 overs.
Net Rule:
The net rule in box cricket suggests that if the ball hits the net or the roof, then it is considered a dead ball without any runs or dismissals off that ball. While in some cases, the ball is considered a wicket
Dismissal Rule:
If the ball reaches the designated box immediately, without bouncing, it is a common mode of dismissal.
Runs Counted:
A certain number of runs are deducted from the batting person for every wicket loss.
Field Dimension:
In inbox cricket, the pitch should usually be small to reduce the long shots and intensify the competition in the game.
Overs and Runs:
In-the-box cricket matches consist of 4-8 overs per inning, and the batsman aims to score quick runs without losing the wicket.
No Leg Before Wicket:
Leg before a wicket isn't encouraged in the box cricket game.
Eventually, understanding the box cricket rules can be fun overall if you completely understand the game. So grab your bat, tie your lace, and ruin the field with your victory.
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Thank you!