Cricket: Formats, History, Teams & More
Cricket is more than a sport for many people. We can also say that cricket is considered a religion in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. Fans are crazy about the sport, and consider players as their icons. You can see people playing sports on streets, parks, grounds, backyards of their homes, and many other places. Here you will get to know about cricket, its origin, formats, history, tournaments, leagues, iconic venues, tournament schedule, and more.
What is Cricket?
Cricket is a game played between two teams on a round shaped ground having a 22 yards patch called pitch. It is in the middle of the ground. This sport is played between 2 teams requires 11 players in each team. Whoever teams score more runs wins the game. The sport is played in 3 different format – Test, One day Internationals, and T20 cricket.
Test format is a 5 day game where 90 overs are bowled in a day, played with the red ball and is the oldest format of the game. One day internationals are a 50 overs game played in colorful clothes and played with white ball.
While T20 is a 20 overs game played with white ball, and colorful jersey. Cricket is loved all over the world. It is fun to watch and even more fun to play. People cheer for their favorite teams and players. From kids in parks to big stadiums, cricket is everywhere.
Origin and Global Evolution of Cricket
Cricket started in England hundreds of years ago. It was first played by children in villages. Over time, adults and kings began to play too. During the colonial period, England took cricket to other countries like India, Australia, and South Africa. Today, cricket is played in more than 100 countries.
Why Cricket is One of the Most Loved Sports in the World?
Cricket is exciting. A match can change in just one ball. It brings families and friends together. People wear jerseys, wave flags, and shout with joy. Cricket teaches teamwork, patience, and discipline.
Types of Cricket Formats
With time, cricket has seen many changes for entertainment and its popularity point of view. Now, cricket is played in many formats. Some matches are long, and some are short. Here are the most popular types:
Test Cricket
- Test cricket is the longest format. It lasts five days.
- It is a 4 innings game where each team bats twice.
- Format is slow but full of skill and strategy.
- Test cricket is also called the “real test” of a player’s abilities – mental, physical, and temperament, technique, and a lot more things.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- ODI matches are played in one day.
- Each team bats for 50 overs.
- These matches are faster and more colorful.
- Fans love the action and big scores.
T20 Cricket
- T20 is short and exciting. Each team plays 20 overs.
- The match ends in about 3 hours. T20 is full of big hits, quick wickets, and fun celebrations.
T10 & Other Emerging Formats
- T10 is even shorter.
- Each team plays 10 overs.
- It is like a cricket match mixed with fireworks.
- New formats like The Hundred in England are also becoming popular.
Popular International
and Domestic Competitions
ICC Events
The ICC (International Cricket Council) organizes global tournaments:
ODI World Cup
This is the biggest cricket event. It happens every 4 years. Countries compete to be the world champions in the 50-over format. It was first played in 1975, when cricket was played in white clothes, and with a red ball. From last two WC, tournament is played in a round robin format.
Here is the list of winners of One Day International World Cup till now –
| Year | Winner |
| 1975 | West Indies |
| 1979 | West Indies |
| 1983 | India |
| 1987 | Australia |
| 1992 | Pakistan |
| 1996 | Sri Lanka |
| 1999 | Australia |
| 2003 | Australia |
| 2007 | Australia |
| 2011 | India |
| 2015 | Australia |
| 2019 | England |
| 2023 | Australia |
T20 World Cup
This tournament is for T20 matches. It happens every 2 years. It is full of energy and surprises. Top ranked teams get automatic qualification, while other teams need to play qualifiers to be a part of the tournament. Usually, there are 4 groups with 4 teams each.
| Year | Winner |
| 2007 | India |
| 2009 | Pakistan |
| 2010 | England |
| 2012 | West Indies |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka |
| 2016 | West Indies |
| 2021 | Australia |
| 2022 | England |
| 2024 | India |
Champions Trophy
This is another big ICC event played in ODI format, where the top-ranked ICC teams participate. It’s shorter and more competitive.
| Year | Winner |
| 1998 | South Africa |
| 2000 | New Zealand |
| 2002 | India & Sri Lanka |
| 2004 | West Indies |
| 2006 | Australia |
| 2009 | Australia |
| 2013 | India |
| 2017 | Pakistan |
| 2025 | India |
Major T20 Leagues
T20 leagues are played by cities or regions. These leagues are loved by fans and attract players from all over the world.
IPL (Indian Premier League)
Started back in 2008, it is the best cricket league globally. Indian cities have their teams, now these franchises are becoming global brands. It has stars, music, and lots of drama.
BBL (Big Bash League)
Started back in 2011-12, BBL is played in Australia. It’s full of fun and family-friendly games.
CPL (Caribbean Premier League)
Started back in 2013, CPL is held in the West Indies. It’s colorful and festive, just like the Caribbean culture.
PSL (Pakistan Super League)
Started in 2016, PSL is Pakistan’s top T20 league. It has many exciting matches and great local talents.
BPL (Bangladesh Premier League)
First edition played in 2012, BPL brings top players and rising stars in fast-paced T20 games.
The Hundred
The Hundred is a new format in England. Each team plays 100 balls. It’s quick and easy to understand.
Test Championships & Bilateral Series
The World Test Championship is like a league for Test cricket. Teams play matches over two years. The top two teams play in the final.
Bilateral series are matches between two countries. These are held home and away and include Tests, ODIs, and T20s.
Cricket Countries Around the World
Cricket is played in many nations. Some of the top cricketing countries are:
- India
- Australia
- England
- Pakistan
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- West Indies
- Afghanistan
New teams like Nepal, Ireland, and the USA are also growing in cricket.
Cricketing Icons Across Generations
Legendary Players
Some players are legends of the game. They gave us unforgettable moments.
- Sachin Tendulkar (India) – Called the “God of Cricket.”
- Ricky Ponting (Australia) – A great captain and batsman.
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – Best spin bowler with most wickets.
Modern Superstars
Today’s stars are admired by fans everywhere.
- Virat Kohli (India) – Know he will be seeing playing ODI format only. Known for his strong batting and passion for the game.
- Joe Root (England) – A smart Test player, who is expected to end up being the highest run getter in test matches.
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – Technically solid batter and calm leader, who provide strength to the team.
- Steve Smith (Australia) – Stylish and consistent batter, who can turn the game from any situation.
Emerging Talents to Watch
Young players bring new energy to cricket. Watch out for names like:
- Shubman Gill (India)
- Harry Brook (England)
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
- Dewald Brevis (South Africa)
Iconic Cricket Venues
- Lord’s (England) – It is a considered as a place where cricket is originated.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (Australia) – Iconic venue which has given great moments in cricket history.
- Eden Gardens (India) – One of the historic venue, where we have seen classic games.
- Chepauk (India) – One of the oldest cricket venue in India, has seen a tied test in cricket, which is rare.
Understanding How Cricket Works?
Basic Rules and Scoring System
- A run is scored when batters run to the other end.
- A “4” is when the ball touches the ground and goes over the boundary rope.
- A “6” is when the ball flies over the boundary rope without touching the ground.
- A team can lose a batter if he gets bowled, caught, LBW, or run out.
- If a bowler bowls a No-ball, free hit will be given (applies in white ball cricket)
- 6 legitimate balls can be bowled in an over.
- In white ball cricket, their is a powerplay rule, where only limited players can go outside the 30 yards circle.
Umpires, DRS, and On-field Technology
- Umpires decide if a player is out or not.
- If unsure, players can use DRS (Decision Review System), mandatory for International games.
- Technology like slow motion and ball tracking helps get the right decision.
Fielding Positions and Strategies
- Fielders stand at spots like “slip,” “point,” or “mid-wicket.”
- Bowling with dedicated strategies to make batter out.
- Teams use smart plans to do it so.
Cricket Calendar 2025
International Tours and Series
Top teams like India, Australia, and England will play many matches. Fans will enjoy Tests, ODIs, and T20s.
Major League and ICC Tournament Schedules
Here are some big events in 2025:
- ICC Champions Trophy
- IPL 2025
- T20 World Cup qualifiers
- Bilateral series: India vs. South Africa, England vs. Australia