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The Rules of Blind Cricket
Blind cricket is an exciting, fast-paced, and inclusive version of the game, designed so people with vision impairment can compete, connect, and enjoy cricket in a supportive team environment.
While the game follows many traditional cricket rules, there are some unique adaptations that make blind cricket accessible, competitive, and enjoyable for players across different levels of vision.
Team Structure
Each team consists of 11 players, made up of a combination of vision classifications:
A minimum of four B1 players
A minimum of two B2 players
A maximum of five B3 players
Teams maintain this balance throughout the match to ensure fairness and inclusion across all sight categories.
Vision Classifications
Blind cricket players are grouped into three categories based on their level of vision:
B1
Players with little to no light perception, or who cannot recognise the shape of a hand at any distance or direction.
B2
Players with limited vision, including the ability to recognise hand shapes, with visual acuity up to 2/60 and/or a visual field of 5 degrees or less.
B3
From Visual Acuity above 2/60 up to and including Visual Acuity of 6/60 and/or a Visual Field of more than 5 degrees up to and including 20 degrees.
How the Game is Played
Blind cricket matches are typically played as 20-over or 40-over games.
Players use:
- A standard cricket bat approved for blind cricket
- A specially designed audible cricket ball endorsed for Australian blind cricket competitions
One of the most distinctive features of blind cricket is the audible ball, which contains ball bearings so players can track it by sound as it travels.
Bowling and Batting
Bowling is delivered underarm, with the bowler’s arm remaining below shoulder height at the point of release.
There are also several adapted rules designed specifically for blind cricket gameplay.
Batters can be dismissed in most of the same ways as traditional cricket, including:
- Bowled
- Caught
- LBW
- Stumped
- Run out
- Hit wicket
- Obstructing the field
- Timed out
To support fairness and accessibility, the hit wicket rule does not apply to B1 players.
Domestic Opportunities
Blind Cricket in New South Wales is proudly administered by Blind Cricket NSW and nationally by Blind Cricket Australia, with both organisations committed to growing and promoting an inclusive, competitive and community-focused sport for people with vision impairment across Australia.
Blind cricket continues to experience positive growth nationally, with increasing participation, greater awareness and expanding opportunities for players at domestic, national and international levels. In NSW, the domestic competition currently features two dedicated teams, with the cricket season running annually from September/October through to March/April.
A key highlight of the Australian blind cricket calendar is the annual National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC), which is hosted in different locations around Australia each year. Every twelve months, Blind Cricket NSW selects, supports and funds a representative side to compete at the NCIC, providing players with the opportunity to showcase their skills, connect with the broader blind cricket community and contribute to the continued growth of the sport nationwide.
More Than a Game
Blind cricket combines skill, teamwork, communication, and determination, creating a unique and inclusive sporting experience for players of all abilities. Whether you’re playing competitively or trying the sport for the first time, blind cricket offers a welcoming community and a chance to be part of something special.