Cricket Blitz gets support of New Zealand stars

Media Release
Wednesday, 25 June 2014

Cricket Blitz, a new initiative launched by Auckland Cricket this week, got the seal of approval from New Zealand players Martin Guptill and Sara McGlashan today.

Cricket Blitz is an 8-a-side game with simple rules and minimal equipment that can be played after school in just an hour and a half, and is designed to get more kids playing cricket in schools.

Blackaps opener Guptill said that the idea aimed at social school cricketers was a good way of getting kids excited about playing cricket.

“I think it sounds like a great concept, it’s something different and provides kids who might not have given cricket a go or who’ve given it away, an easy way of getting out there and having a hit. These kinds of ideas are what we need to make sure that we have that next generation of cricket-lovers and supporters coming through.”

White Ferns batsman McGlashan is keen to see the game in action and hopes that kids embrace the new concept.

“I really like the fact that it’s short and sharp and simple to play. I think kids will get into it because the game sounds like it will be exciting and fun to be part of. I’m really looking forward to seeing my first game of Cricket Blitz and hope plenty of school kids are too!”

Auckland Cricket Club Development Manager Adrian Dale feels that Cricket Blitz is coming at the right time to provide an attractive alternative to get kids playing cricket, and is thrilled that Guptill and McGlashan have lent their support to the idea.

“We have to think of ways of making our game more accessible and more attractive for kids to play and Cricket Blitz is a great way of doing that. We’re pretty confident that it will be successful and it’s fantastic to have Martin and Sara give it their backing.”

Dale says that the concept is aimed at activating more kids to choose cricket as an option at school, especially those who just want to play socially.

“Kids now have so many choices when choosing a sport to play at school. Cricket Blitz is one of our steps to get them to pick cricket by getting them excited about the game. We hope that will lead to them continuing to play once they leave school.”

The competition is run regionally through February with finals days to be held in March at a variety of venues. Auckland Cricket is aiming to have 160 teams playing from Year 5 to Year 13 this season with expansion in team numbers planned for future seasons.

Cricket Blitz Details

What: 8-a-side, 16 over game with teams batting in pairs for 4 overs and minus 3 for each dismissal; all players bowl; protective equipment kept to a minimum
When: February to March, finals day in Week 8 of Term 1 (mid-March)
Where: Schools all over Auckland from Year 5 to Year 13

ENDS

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