Tennis cricket in one paragraph
Tennis cricket keeps the shape of standard cricket — two innings, overs, wickets, boundaries — but swaps the leather ball for a hard tennis ball such as a Cosco or Tennex. Because the ball is lighter (roughly 55–60 g) and safer, matches need no pads or helmets, run 6 to 12 overs a side, and finish inside 90 minutes. That makes it the fastest route into competitive cricket for players who do not have access to turf wickets or full leather-ball kit.
How tennis ball cricket differs from leather-ball cricket
| Element | Tennis ball cricket | Leather ball cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Ball | Hard tennis ball (Cosco / Tennex), 55–60 g | Leather ball, 155–163 g |
| Match length | 6–12 overs per side | 20 overs to 5 days |
| Protective gear | Optional — usually gloves only | Pads, helmet, guard mandatory |
| Pitch | Matting, concrete or rolled clay | Turf or synthetic turf |
| Swing | Generated by seam-up grip, wet side or tape | Generated by seam and wear |
Basic rules used in BTBCA championships
- Squads of 8 to 11 players; 6, 8, 10 or 12 overs a side depending on the stage of the tournament.
- One bouncer per over; a second is called a no-ball.
- Wides are judged tighter than in leather-ball cricket because of the shorter pitch run.
- Boundaries are set by ground size, with a minimum 45 m straight boundary at state level.
- Playing conditions follow the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India, to which TBCA Bihar is affiliated.
Tennis cricket trophies and the Bihar pathway
A tennis cricket trophy is no longer just a local maidan prize. BTBCA runs Under-14, Under-17, Under-19, Senior and Invitation Cup state championships for men and women across all 38 districts of Bihar, feeding selected players into national tennis ball cricket events. Registering your club or district team is the entry point — from there, district trials lead to state squads and national representation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of TBC in cricket?
TBC stands for Tennis Ball Cricket — the format of cricket played with a tennis ball (often a Cosco or hard tennis ball) instead of a leather ball. In Bihar it is governed by the Tennis Ball Cricket Association of Bihar (TBCA Bihar), affiliated to the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India.
What is tennis cricket?
Tennis cricket is another common name for tennis ball cricket. The rules follow standard cricket, but matches are shorter (usually 6 to 12 overs), boundaries are smaller, and no protective leather-ball gear is required.
What ball is used in tennis ball cricket?
Most competitive matches use a hard tennis ball such as a Cosco or Tennex ball, weighing roughly 55–60 g. Softer lawn tennis balls are used for practice and street cricket, and taped balls are used where extra pace and swing are wanted.
What are the basic tennis ball cricket rules?
Two teams of 8 to 11 players, 6 to 12 overs per side, one bouncer per over, no LBW in many local formats, and a single umpire calling wides tighter than in leather-ball cricket. BTBCA championships follow the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India playing conditions.
How do I play in a tennis ball cricket tournament in Bihar?
Register your club or district team with the Tennis Ball Cricket Association of Bihar. BTBCA runs Under-14, Under-17, Under-19, Senior, and Invitation Cup state championships for men and women across all 38 districts.