Whether it’s a one-day, five-day or a limited-overs match, people all over the world are crazy about cricket. But why is this? Where did this obsession start?

A Short History Of Cricket

Experts on cricket history agree that the game of cricket may have been invented either in the Saxon or Norman times by children who were living in the Weald. (This is an area in the south-eastern region of England characterised by dense woodlands and clearings.)

In 1611, there appeared the first reference to cricket being played as an adult sport and it was thought that the game had been derived from bowls where the ‘batsman’ hit the bowl away when it was near to its intended target.

It was only in the 18^th century that cricket established itself as a leading sport in London in addition to south-east England. Although originally characterised as a game only for men, in 1745 women began playing cricket as well.

The game of cricket went international and was introduced into North America in the 17 century through the English colonies. Cricket came to the West Indies via colonists and to India via the British Each India Company where it is still extremely popular today. The last countries where cricket arrived include Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Which Countries Play Cricket?

The countries that play test cricket and are full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC):

• Afghanistan
• Australia
• Bangladesh
• England
• India
• Ireland
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• West Indies
• Zimbabwe

Associate members of the ICC include:

• Argentina
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Bhutan
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• France
• Finland
• Germany

Why Do People Love Cricket?

As one of the most beloved sports worldwide, cricket is beloved by many as it’s so engaging and easy to play. As we said earlier, the first recorded game of cricket was played and invented by children so the rules, to this day, aren’t complicated in the slightest.

Cricket started in the UK, before the British Empire’s proliferation, so as many parts of the world were taken over by the English, the colonisers brought the game to parts of the world who hadn’t seen it before. While the game became wildly popular in colonies such as India and South Africa – even after the British colonisers withdrew – in places such as the United States of America, cricket didn’t take off.

What is all boils down to is the fact that cricket is as fun as playing the $1 dollar machines! It’s not complicated and all you, as a spectator, need to keep tabs on is the number of runs that you chosen team makes and rooting for them to catch the other team out when it’s their turn to bat.

There is a particular camaraderie that develops between spectators and supporters of the same team. People who watch matches over the weekend make a day of it, invite their friends to the stadium and relax.

Still not convinced as to why cricket is so popular? The only thing that is left to do is to get to a match and see for yourself!