A new sensation is set to take Israel by storm – Night Action Cricket.
The 13-team ICC endorsed league will feature players from Israel, Australia and South Africa and as well as a handful of all-British teams.
Based on the Action Cricket rules, the game consists of eight players per team and 16 overs per innings. Each batting pair bats for four overs with any wickets costing five runs. Matches last no more than 90
minutes in a league that will run from November to March. Games will take place every other Thursday night and every Saturday night after motzei Shabbat.
Herschel Gutman, the League convenor, said: "My hope is that this league will be bigger than our day league as it reaches a completely new audience who can't commit to a whole day out. Most of the teams have arranged sponsorships as they have to wear identical clothing."
More than 200 players have registered from teams in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Modi'in, Ra'anana, Lod, Ramle, Herzliya, Kiryat Gat and Bet Shemesh. More than 130 of those will be playing in a structured league in Israel for the first time.
The Israel Cricket Association will use a floodlit venue in Modi'in Reut.
The inaugural match took place on Saturday night with Hot Super Lions Lad taking on Inhasharon.co.il and the Bet Shemesh derby where Kat Israemploy Warriors met Pommeranz Juice Good Old Boys.