Hampshire will play host to cricket’s newest format, ParaT10, later this month. The Royals’ home Friends Life t20 game against Kent Spitfires on July 21 will see an additional ‘bonus game’ as 20 disabled and visually impaired cricketers take part in a 10 over match prior to the main event. Featuring players with a range of physical and learning impairments from across the county, it will be the new format’s first appearance in front of an expected large crowd. Devised by Hampshire captain of the Bluebird Care County Incrediball team, Michael Powell, the 10-a-side game will provide spectators with an insight into the mental and physical challenges which disability cricketers overcome in every match and training session. The game will also feature a unique “Super Over” with two Hampshire stars performing the ParaT10 powerplay over whilst wearing visually impaired simulation goggles. Michael Powell said: “ParaT10 came about as a result of contemplating how we could integrate and adapt the hugely successful global T20 format for the less able bodied and visually impaired athletes. “After lengthy discussions and trials we realised that a scaled down 10 players per side, 10 overs per innings would be the platform for us.”
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