Ice cricket is a unique form of cricket played on frozen lakes or snow-covered grounds, mostly in cold countries during winter. The game follows basic cricket rules, but some adjustments are made because of the slippery ice surface and freezing weather conditions. Players usually wear special shoes for better grip, and softer balls are often used for safety. One of the most famous ice cricket events is the St. Moritz Ice Cricket held in Switzerland, where several international cricketers have participated. The matches are generally shorter and more entertaining than traditional formats. As highlighted in cricket features and discussions on sportsplay24, ice cricket has become popular for blending winter sports excitement with the thrill of cricket in a completely different environment.
What is ice cricket and how is it played?
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Ice cricket is basically a version of cricket played on frozen lakes or icy surfaces, mostly in extremely cold regions. The rules are usually similar to regular cricket, but conditions are very different because players wear winter gear and the surface is slippery. Kashmir’s frozen lakes and some international cold regions have hosted ice cricket matches for fun and tourism. Bright-colored balls are often used so players can see them clearly against the snow. Honestly, ice cricket is more about entertainment and unique experience than professional competition, but it looks visually very cool in photos and videos.
The difference ice cricket and the other forms of cricket is that Ice Cricket is played directly on the ice, no mat is laid down. Cricket enthusiasts from across the globe have a chance to see playing their favorite cricket stars in the ongoing the St. Moritz Ice Cricket 2018 in Switzerland. The matches will be played between two teams Virender Sehwag's Diamonds vs Shahid Afridi's Royals. The format is unconventional and demands the players to play under extreme challenging weather conditions of temperature below zero degree Celsius. Ice cricket is played on a frozen lake where players wear traditional gear along with normal sport shoes instead of spikes.The ball is the same as an indoor cricket ball,a composite plastic red ball which makes it relatively easy to find if it gets hit into a snowdrift. There is also an artificial turf that is laid on it as a pitch.
Ice cricket is very different from what you are used to. It’s played on ice, so it’s far less physical than regular cricket. On a frozen lake, an ice cricket match will be held. You won’t find bats or bowls here, instead, there are two long poles with a ball in between them. There are also rules that make the game more difficult and enjoyable for spectators, who can watch through a window at the back of one of the players.
The match is played on a solidified lake. For the individuals who think cricket is being played on ice just because, will be shocked to realize that it is anything but another idea. Cricket has been played on a solidified lake in St. Moritz (Switzerland) since 1988. After the lake is solidified, it is additionally secured by day off. After this, the ice can clutch a load of around 200 tons. After the lake is secured with day off, in a counterfeit turf laid on it as a pitch.
As of now, the ice cricket coordinate is being played between Virender Sehwag XI versus Shahid Afridi XI. While Sehwag is driving the Diamonds, the previous Pakistani all-rounder is driving the Royals crew. Among Indian players, aside from Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Mohammad Kaif, Ajit Agarkar, Joginder Sharma, Ramesh Powar are a portion of the cricketers who are in the group. Other huge names incorporate Mahela Jayawardene, Michael Hussey, Lasith Malinga and Tillakratne Dilshan.