Cricket, often called the gentleman’s game, has a long history that dates back to centuries ago. Originating in southeast England, the game has spread its influence across the globe, particularly in countries like Australia, India, Pakistan, and the West Indies. The game has undergone numerous transformations, shaping it into the sport we know today.
In its early days, cricket was played without the familiar cricket bat. Instead, players used hockey sticks to strike a ball made of rock or stone. As cricket grew in popularity, the first official match took place in 1744 between The Kent and the All-England teams.
The match marked the beginning of a journey that would lead cricket to its iconic home, Lords Cricket Ground, in 1814. This historic venue has witnessed countless memorable matches and shaped the sport’s legacy.
Fast forward to the present, some cricket tournaments keep us on the edge of our seats.
ICC Cricket World Cup
One of the most highly anticipated events in the cricket calendar is the ICC Cricket World Cup. Organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Cricket World Cup is held every four years. It brings together national teams from across the globe to compete for the prestigious title.
The Cricket World Cup has become one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide. The upcoming edition, scheduled to be hosted by India from October 5 to November 19, 2023, will have ten teams vying for victory. England is the defending champion from the 2019 edition.
ICC Champions Trophy
Initially intended to be the final edition in 2013, ICC Champions Trophy’s widespread popularity led to its extension until 2017.
In 2018, the ICC made a decision to replace the Champions Trophy with the World Twenty20 championship.
After a brief hiatus, the Champions Trophy is set to return in the 2025 cycle and beyond as part of the Future Tour Programme. The tournament will continue its previous biannual cycle.
T20 World Cup
The advent of Twenty20 cricket revolutionised the sport. The tournament introduced a fast-paced and exciting format that appealed to a broader audience.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, previously known as the ICC World Twenty20, features 20 teams. The top 12 teams from the previous edition earned automatic qualifications, while the remaining eight teams were selected through regional qualifiers.
Similarly, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup showcases the talents of women’s cricket on a global stage. In the initial three tournaments, only eight teams participated. However, since the 2014 edition, the number has been increased to ten.
In July 2022, the ICC revealed that Bangladesh would be hosting the 2024 tournament, followed by England as the host for the 2026 edition. The 2026 tournament will also see an expansion to twelve teams.
Ashes Series
Another most celebrated cricketing rivalry is the Ashes series between England and Australia. It is considered “the most wagered Test series” globally. The name “Ashes” originated in 1882 when Australia defeated England in a historic match.
In response to the loss, a journalist wrote an obituary for English cricket, saying that the cricket had died and its ashes would be taken to Australia. This declaration sparked a fierce determination within the English team to recover those ashes, leading to their win in the 3-match Test series.
Cricket gambling
Back in the 1600s, the sport flourished with high-stakes matches drawing large bets from gamblers, sometimes up to £100. In today’s money, that would be around £14,000.
Then, cricket began to receive coverage in newspapers in the U.K. However, it took time for the newspaper industry to adapt and provide comprehensive game coverage. Observers notice that early reports often focus on betting rather than the gameplay itself.
Today, cricket enthusiasts can enjoy real-time updates and analysis through cricket odds live updates. Fans and bettors can get valuable insights into the changing probabilities and betting options as matches unfold.
