- The Marshmallow x L&RCF Community Tape Ball League will be run across Leicester and surrounding communities.
- The new league will feature around 15 community teams across both men’s and women’s divisions, with weekly fixtures taking place from early 2026
- As part of the partnership, Marshmallow will be the league’s Lead Community Partner.
- The league will be launched at a Community Launch Festival, which will be joined by English and Leicestershire Cricketer, Rehan Ahmed.
Leicester, 16 December 2025: Marshmallow, the car insurance platform providing fairer deals to newcomers and migrants, and Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Foundation (L&RCF), have joined forces to launch a new Tape Ball League, Marshmallow x L&RCF Community Tape Ball League. As well as being a co-founder of the league, Marshmallow will be the Lead Community Partner. Run across Leicester and surrounding communities, the league aims to bring people together, celebrate cultural diversity, and create opportunities for newcomers to integrate through the game of cricket.
Leicester is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK, with 43% of the population being of Asian background and 41% being born outside the UK. With many of its residents being first- or second-generation migrants, sport plays a vital role in bringing the community together and creating a sense of belonging.
Tape Ball, which originated in Pakistan, is a fast, accessible and easy to play form of cricket. This, and the fact it requires minimal equipment, has meant it has become one of the most popular forms of cricket across South Asian communities worldwide. By establishing a dedicated Tape Ball League, Marshmallow and the L&RCF are formalising and celebrating a format that is already deeply rooted in local culture.
The new league will feature multiple community teams across both men’s and women’s divisions, with weekly fixtures taking place from early 2026. Open to players of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities, the league will offer a welcoming environment for the local Leicestershire community, offering a place for newcomers to build friendships, stay active, and stay connected to the sport many grew up with.
Oliver Kent-Braham, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Marshmallow said: “Marshmallow works closely with many communities across the UK, and this partnership forms part of our commitment to supporting migrants integrating into life in the UK. We understand the challenges newcomers face, from navigating a new system to finding friendships and feeling at home, so we are proud to be investing in programmes that make a real difference to people settling into life here.”
Research from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) found that 92% of cricket players felt the sport made them feel part of a community and 83% felt that cricket has made them more appreciative of people from different backgrounds.
Paul Gaskin, Head of Cricket Participation, Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Foundation said: “The Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Foundation has a long history of championing accessible cricket formats, with a mission to ensure cricket is a game for everyone, despite background, experience or ability. This partnership expands our community offering and builds on its work with South Asian, migrant and underserved communities across the region. Cricket is a sport that brings people together from a wide range of communities and backgrounds, giving them a greater sense of belonging and social cohesion, and we are delighted to partner with Marshmallow to bring tape ball cricket into the spotlight.”
The Community Launch Festival, taking place in Early 2026, will mark the official start of the league. The festival will feature mini cricket matches, cultural performances and food stalls.
England and Leicestershire Cricketer, Rehan Ahmed, said: “Cricket is more than a sport, it’s a community. It brings people together from all backgrounds and gives them a genuine sense of belonging. Growing up in a Pakistani family living in the UK, cricket has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and roots, while also building friendships and being active within the community. This league will give so many people in Leicester the chance to experience that.”
This partnership follows Marshmallow’s announcement in September as Official Player Sponsors of Rehan Ahmed for the rest of the 2025 season and the full 2026 campaign.
