Homemade Toys

Calabash Cricket Ball

A clever modification for street cricket.

Photo Wanted Be the first to send a real photo of Calabash Cricket Ball being played.
Category
Homemade Toys
Materials
A small, immature dried calabash gourd.

How It's Played

A clever modification for street cricket. When rubber or tennis balls are unavailable, children source a small, immature, unripened calabash gourd. Once dried in the sun, the gourd shrinks into a incredibly dense, lightweight, and perfectly spherical ball that mimics the weight of a standard cricket ball without damaging makeshift wooden bats.

Cultural Roots

Highlights the endless improvisation surrounding cricket in rural communities, utilizing organic forest items to keep the national sport accessible.

Did You Play Calabash Cricket Ball?

Wherever you grew up — Kingston, Montego Bay, Brooklyn, Toronto, London, Miami — if you remember playing this, we want to hear from you. Send us your story, your photos, or an old video. Every submission helps preserve this game for the next generation.

Photos and stories may be featured on this page and across our social channels (with credit to you).

Back to Games Archive