Batfast, a UK-based sports simulation company, has created an innovative cricket simulator that is designed to increase entry-level participation in the sport.

Founded by childhood friends Jignesh Patel and Runish Gudhka, a former international Kenyan cricketer, Batfast aims to make cricket accessible for players of all ages and abilities.

Suitable for both entertainment and training purposes the immersive simulators are built to a small footprint and feature a large projector screen displaying a virtual bowler, which can be customised to feature real-life players.

Player's can tailor the individual balls to their specific needs, by adjusting the speed, pitch and direction of the ball via a phone or tablet, whilst a control version is currently in development.

"Across the UK and globally, player participation in sports is declining while interest and the number of fans is increasing," says Batfast co-founder Runish Gudhka.

"As a former cricketer, I understand first-hand the frustration that cricketers feel when they struggle to train regularly, as the sport requires a significant time and financial commitment from two or more people of similar abilities to effectively practice."

"The solution is to make playing sport simpler and more accessible. We're aiming to inspire people to play more regularly by providing a fun, competitive and flexible option to play cricket," Gudhka adds.