Short answer: the netting is the cheap part. A roll of cricket netting big enough for one lane can cost from under AED 100 to a few hundred dirhams online. What makes a cricket net expensive is everything around it: the frame or poles, the base or pitch surface, a roof net, and installation. A simple garden net you put up yourself costs a small fraction of a permanent, professionally installed club net with a proper pitch, which can run into tens of thousands of dirhams. Get at least three quotes, and compare the total cost of the full setup, not just the price of the net.
What you’re actually paying for
| Part | What it is | How much it affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| Netting | The mesh itself, sold by size | Usually the smallest part of the cost |
| Frame or poles | Steel or aluminium poles, cables and fixings | Often costs more than the netting |
| Roof net | Netting over the top to stop top edges | Adds netting and a taller frame |
| Base / pitch surface | Concrete or compacted base plus matting, synthetic turf or natural turf | Often the biggest cost for a full-length lane |
| Installation | Groundwork, fixing poles, tensioning nets | Varies with access, ground and size |
| Extras | Side runners, ball-stop curtains, lighting | Optional, add up quickly |
Home and garden nets
Most home nets fall into three types:
- Pop-up or portable cages. A light frame with netting attached, put up and taken down in minutes. Cheapest and easiest; best for throwdowns and young players. Not built for hard-ball bowling at pace.
- Pole-and-net garden kits. Steel poles in ground sockets with side, back and roof netting. Sturdier, and the most common choice for a serious home setup.
- Permanent garden lanes. Fixed frame, a proper base and a playing surface. Close to a club net, at a much higher cost.
For any home net, budget separately for the surface. Playing on grass, sand or uneven paving gives poor bounce and wears out mats and balls quickly.
Club and academy nets
Club and academy lanes are a construction project rather than a purchase. The cost depends on:
- Number of lanes and length: full-length lanes need room for the 20.12 m pitch plus a run-up. See our guide to cricket net sizes.
- Surface: synthetic turf or matting on a concrete or compacted base is the usual choice; natural turf needs groundwork, irrigation and ongoing maintenance.
- Indoor or outdoor: indoor lanes need a hall with enough length and height; outdoor lanes in Dubai need UV-resistant netting and often floodlights for evening use.
- Roof netting and side runners: important for safety when lanes are next to each other.
Ask installers to quote per lane, including surface and installation, so you can compare them fairly.
Choosing the netting: material, twine and mesh
- Material. HDPE (polyethylene) and nylon are the two common choices. HDPE is usually cheaper and handles sun and moisture well; nylon is strong and has more “give”. In Dubai, outdoor nets must be UV-stabilised, or they turn brittle in the sun.
- Twine thickness. Thicker twine costs more and lasts longer. Choose heavier twine for hard-ball cricket and frequent use, and lighter twine for soft-ball or occasional home use.
- Mesh size. Around 50 mm is standard for cricket. Smaller holes stop the ball pushing through; much larger holes can let a hard ball through or snag.
- Knotted vs knotless. Knotted netting is durable and easy to repair; knotless is smoother and lighter. Both work well for cricket.
How to keep the cost down
- Buy the netting and frame separately if you’re comfortable assembling them; complete kits charge for convenience.
- Use the space you have. A shorter net for throwdowns or a bowling machine costs much less than a full-length lane.
- Spend on the base first. A good surface matters more than a premium net.
- Replace netting, not the frame. Netting wears out long before a good steel frame.
- Avoid unbranded “heavy-duty” claims with no twine thickness or mesh size listed.
Buying vs renting a net
If you only practise once or twice a week, renting may be better value than buying, especially when you count the base, installation and maintenance. Renting also gets you a full-length lane, a proper surface and, if you want it, a bowling machine.
At SPSA, you can rent a net from AED 100 an hour:
- Dubai Investment Park: indoor and air-conditioned, with a BOLA bowling machine from 24 up to 152 km/h.
- Oud Metha: outdoor natural turf and astro turf nets, under floodlights.
Book a cricket net or read our guide to booking cricket nets in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cricket net cost?
The netting alone is usually inexpensive; a full setup costs much more once you add a frame, roof net, base and installation. Simple home nets cost a fraction of a permanent club lane. Get itemised quotes for the full setup.
How much does it cost to install cricket nets?
It depends on the number of lanes, the surface, the ground and access. Ask installers for a per-lane price that includes the base, surface, frame, netting and labour.
What is the price of a 100 × 10 ft cricket net?
For the netting alone, it depends on the twine thickness, material and seller. Check the twine thickness and mesh size before comparing prices, and remember a 100 ft run of netting still needs poles and fixings.
What size net do I need for indoor cricket?
For full-length bowling, the lane needs the 20.12 m (66 ft) pitch, space behind the stumps and a run-up. See our cricket net sizes guide for the full measurements.
Is it cheaper to buy a net or rent one?
For occasional practice, renting is usually cheaper and gives you a full-length lane with a proper surface. Buying makes sense if you’ll use it several times a week and have the space.