The YCF Indoor leagues are set to begin again in Leeds and Bradford in the coming weeks through the Core Cities Programme.
The leagues provide our community groups the opportunity to play more informal cricket through the winter months. After receiving feedback from our participants, the session dates, times and costs are tailored around making cricket inclusive and more accessible.
This year the Leeds Indoor League is scheduled to commence on Sunday 8th October. Sixteen teams will compete in 63 matches across two venues. This tournament provides an opportunity for teams from various communities to play without any barriers during the off-season. Also, this will be the first time in the tournament’s history that an all-women’s team will play.
This is what Niamh Cottingham of UOLWCC has to say before the tournament:
“University of Leeds Women’s Cricket Club are really excited to be playing in the Yorkshire Indoor League. We hope this will give our girls some extra experience playing indoor cricket- giving players of varying ability the opportunity to take part in something active during the winter. As University students, we can’t wait to be involved in the local Leeds cricket culture and meet new people whilst playing the sport we love!”
Teams:
Group A: UOLWCC, Rodley CC, Leeds Indians, Leeds Gladiators, Phoenix, Babita Blasters, Thanks for Coming, Wristy Strokers
Group B: Baildon CC, LISK, Leeds Lethal, Lions, UFCC, SSK, JSH, Brady Blinders
Format:
Following a seven-week round-robin format where each team competes against the other seven teams in their group, the top four teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals. In the eighth week, the quarter-final matchups will be A1 vs B4, A2 vs B3, A3 vs B2, and A4 vs B1. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for December 3rd at Trinity Academy Leeds.
Venues & timings:
Group A matches will be played at Leeds City Academy, LS6 2LG on Tuesdays from 6-10 PM.
Group B matches, quarter finals, semi-finals and the final will be played at Trinity Academy Leeds, LS9 7QL on Sundays from 5-9 PM.
The Bradford Indoor League is due to start on Sunday 22nd October. So far Eighteen teams have registered and will be looking to compete at the new ECB domed facility at Park Avenue, Bradford. The new state of the art facility is an all-year-round facility and boasts 10 lanes where 2 games will be played simultaneously.
Mohammed Hazifa, Bradford Community Development Officer, stated,
‘Our competition here in Bradford will be played with the indoor hardball after consultation with the community. From last year where we had six teams to this year with eighteen, we have made significant strides with teams from all over Bradford taking part. There’s a lot of buzz around, everyone is excited and looking forward to playing at the new domed facility.’
Teams:
Mirpur Royals, AK Eagles, Bradifax Titans, Khan CC, Bradford Riders, Sunbeamers, Greetland CC, Shelf Boys, Hit Squad, EA Sultans, Shahbaaz Qalandars, SWAT Team, Muff Field CC, Bradford Hawks, Kashmir Bradford, Northcliffe CC, Super Stars, Tap and Run
Format:
There will be two groups, a seven-week round-robin format where each team competes against the other seven teams in their group, the top four teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals. Every week a different team in each group will get a bye. The top four teams from each group will play the quarterfinals and then the winners semis and finals respectively.
Venue and Timings:
All games will be played at Park Avenue Bradford, Canterbury Avenue, BD5 0PY.
Game time between 6-10pm
Sohail Raz, Diverse Communities Manager commented,
‘We are back again with our Indoor Cricket Leagues this winter. It’s a chance to stay active, refine skills, and boost mental resilience in a fun, competitive way. The indoor experience not only contributes to physical fitness but also mental well-being. The next 8-10 weeks will be filled with passion, excitement and will build a community that thrives together both on and off the pitch – we’re all looking forward to it!’
