Popularity Surge of Tapeball Cricket in Saint Lucia

The tapeball cricket phenomenon in Saint Lucia is undeniably gaining momentum. Embraced in educational institutions, side streets, and unconventional venues both locally and globally, this variant of cricket replaces conventional hardballs with a tennis ball ensconced in electrical tape, modifying its trajectory, bounce, and velocity. Emerging from modest origins, tapeball cricket has transitioned into a structured sport with international aspirations, with Saint Lucia poised for broader recognition. Cyrus Cepal, an educator and cricket aficionado, has played a pivotal role in fostering this sport. The Adventist Premier League (APL) initially catalyzed organized gameplay, uniting church-affiliated districts in a spirited contest, later evolving to include diverse teams island-wide.The establishment of the Tapeball Premier League paved the way for the creation of the Saint Lucia National Tapeball Association (SLNTA), now led by Cepal. In recent bilateral excursions with Dominica, Saint Lucia has demonstrated competitive spirit. After a thankful event on August 17, SLNTA's collaborations aim to enhance regional representation with the newly formed Windwards Tapeball Association recognized by the International Tapeball Council. Future aspirations include extending tours to Guyana and Antigua and outlining plans for a West Indies Tapeball Team and participation in a global tournament.