Cricket is the second most followed sport around the world. The International Cricket Council (ICC), overseeing 104 member countries and boasting 30 million registered players, attests to the sport’s expansive reach.
Now, it’s undeniable that the sport is most popular in India, but other countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and England also have love for it.
Many would agree that they love cricket not just because of the thrill and sophistication of the sport. It’s also because of the most skilled cricket players throughout the years and of course, this 2023.
With cricket getting more attention recently, let’s have a look at the brightest cricket players today and whether the sport is finally going global.
The Popularity of Cricket
While this sport has over 2 billion followers around the world, it’s still mostly popular only in the countries we mentioned earlier. Recent reports state that in the US, only 1 out of 100 people watch cricket tournaments.
That’s even if it’s known that there are over 2 billion cricket followers around the world. Well, the thing is that India has a large population and over 1.1 billion of that number is from the country.
Aside from India, Australia is another place where cricket is popular. Play Today reports that around 90% of Aussies watch cricket on TV each year.
When it comes to the most-watched annual cricket tournament, it has to be the Indian Premier League (IPL). Reports suggest that each match of this tournament would have around 100 million viewers.
The Cricket World Cup is also a big magnet for viewers. In 2019, it’s estimated that around 1.6 billion people watched the tournament. According to the ICC, the recent version had over 1.2 billion viewers worldwide.
The popularity of this sport has also given attention to certain industries like sports wagering. Online cricket betting in India is also widespread, as well as in other countries like Wales.
The Modern Cricket Icons
As mentioned earlier, people are not just fans of the sport itself but the best cricket players out there. Here’s a look at some of the brightest cricket stars right now:
- Joe Root: A maestro with the bat and a strategic captain, Joe Root’s finesse on the field is a testament to cricketing brilliance. His elegant strokes and leadership prowess make him an indispensable figure in the cricketing universe. This English cricketer plays for Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Rajasthan Royals.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah is the spearhead of the Indian bowling attack. His ability to deliver yorkers with surgical precision and outsmart batsmen in any format elevates him to iconic status. He’s currently playing for Gujarat Titans and the Indian National Team.
- Shakib Al Hasan: Shakib Al Hasan is Bangladesh’s cricketing jewel and he’s a force to be reckoned with. Al Hasan is a powerful all-rounder known for his spin bowling with prolific batting. Without a doubt, he’s among the elite in global cricket.
- Rashid Khan: Hailing from Afghanistan, Rashid Khan has redefined spin bowling with his variations and guile. He’s a prodigious talent and his impact on the game extends beyond borders. His current teams are Band–e–Amir Dragons, Adelaide Strikers, and Sussex.
- Ben Stokes: The English powerhouse, Ben Stokes, exemplifies resilience and dynamic cricket. Whether with the bat, ball or on the field, Stokes embodies the spirit of a modern cricket icon. The 32-year-old cricketer is part of the Durham County Cricket Club and Chennai Super Kings.
What’s Ahead: Is Cricket Going Global?
As cricket continues to sweep across diverse nations, many are now wondering if cricket is on the cusp of becoming a truly global sport.
The answer lies in the expanding horizons of the game. Initiatives like T20 leagues, increased international fixtures, and a growing fan base in non-traditional cricketing nations suggest a positive trajectory.
Many would say that the T20 leagues are the ones that’ll most likely gain more popularity because it’s to watch. After all, it’s shorter compared to Test matches.
The ICC has long been talking about targeting to make the sport the most popular worldwide. It will be quite a long journey since football has over 3.5 billion fans worldwide.
The possibility of cricket triumphing over football might be realized if the sport becomes successful in penetrating big countries like the United States. Efforts in the US are happening with ICC and Cricket USA’s T20 Major League Cricket.
For now, we can only wait and see if the sport will continue to flourish in their targeted markets.
