Sri Lanka is set to host the inaugural Tapeball Asia Cup following a partnership between Scara Live, the live experiences division of global sports, gaming and culture agency Scara, and Afghanistan Tapeball Cricket.

The tournament, recognised as the first official continental Tapeball competition sanctioned by the International Tapeball Council, is scheduled to take place in September 2026 at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground.

Teams from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh are expected to compete in the event.

With Sri Lanka hosting the tournament, organisers say the Tapeball Asia Cup marks a step towards expanding the sport’s presence and recognition across South Asia.

Originating on the streets of Karachi, Tapeball cricket is played using a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape. The format has gained popularity across South Asia and the Middle East due to its accessibility and fast-paced nature.

Scara Live will oversee the tournament’s production, including broadcast operations, talent management and digital promotion, with the aim of delivering a sports entertainment experience targeted at younger audiences.

International Tapeball Council Spokesperson Amir Siddiqi said, “Tapeball is one of the most authentic and widely played formats of cricket across South Asia and the Middle East, rooted in street culture and community play. With the Tapeball Asia Cup, we are taking a defining step toward formalising and globalising the sport. Partnering with Scara Live allows us to combine competitive intensity with a modern, youth-first presentation that reflects how today's audiences consume sport.”

Afghanistan Tapeball Cricket Representative Sheer Rahman Khater, added, “We are proud to lead the first-ever Tapeball Asia Cup, a landmark moment for the sport and its growing community. Tapeball has always been about passion, accessibility, and raw talent. With Scara Live powering the live experience, we are confident of delivering a tournament that connects with fans across the region and elevates Tapeball into a new era of organised competition.”

Scara Founder Manoj George noted, “The inaugural Tapeball Asia Cup in Sri Lanka is more than a tournament. It is a celebration of street-born passion, raw talent, and the cricketing culture that unites South Asia. We are excited to bring this to life through world-class execution, storytelling, and fan engagement.”