Indoor cricket (UK variant)

The game of indoor cricket can be played in any suitably sized multi-purpose sports hall.

The first recorded organised indoor cricket league in the world took place in 1970 in North Shropshire,[2] and the first national tournament was completed in 1976 with over 400 clubs taking part.

By 1979 over 1000 clubs were taking part in indoor cricket in the UK, and it remains extremely popular today with many leagues around the country.

[4] The game itself bears much in common with its outdoor cousin, with a hard ball and a full length pitch being used.

This format should not be confused with the netted variant played elsewhere around the world, predominantly in Australia and South Africa.

Despite these basic similarities, the game itself differs significantly from its outdoor counterpart in several ways, most notably on the field of play and the means by which runs are obtained.

A batsman may be caught out and dismissed directly off the side wall, provided the ball has not also hit the floor or the roof.

A leg bye will count as one run if the ball hits a side wall after deflecting off the batsman's pads or body.

If the bowler oversteps the crease, bowls a full toss over waist height, or the ball does not pitch on the playing mat, a no-ball will be called and the batting side will be awarded one run.

Indoor cricket is extremely popular around the UK with many regional and local leagues run independently but loosely affiliated to the ECB.