How many countries play cricket? We did some research to find out.

Cricket is an immensely popular sport played in countries all over the world. But have you ever wondered how many countries play cricket? It’s a valid question that many people have been asking for years, and the answer may surprise you. In this blog post, we’ll look at how many countries play cricket in the world and explore the fascinating world of international cricket.

The British Empire

The British Empire has a long and complex history with cricket. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the English brought the game of cricket to their colonies, particularly in the Caribbean. As the Empire grew, so did the popularity of cricket, which spread to the Indian subcontinent and South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

In the 19th century, imperial teams were formed to represent the British Empire in competitions like the Ashes. This further popularized the sport as teams of players from various parts of the world competed against one another.

By the early 20th century, cricket had become a significant part of British culture, and it was not uncommon to see large crowds turn out for matches. The popularity of cricket has also led to its spread across the globe, with many countries now having their national teams.

Currently, over 100 countries are members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), making it one of the most widely-played sports in the world. From tiny island nations like Dominica to major powers like India and Pakistan, millions worldwide participate in this beloved sport, either professionally or recreationally.

Top 10 Cricket playing nations.

England

Cricket has been played in England since the 16th century and is one of the most popular sports in the country. The English national team is known as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and they are currently the number one ranked team in the world. The ECB is responsible for administering the game of cricket in England, Wales, and various other territories.

England has a long cricket history and is home to some of the world’s best players. These players include Alastair Cook, Stuart Broad, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes. England also hosts several international tournaments yearly, including the Ashes Series, World Cup, and ICC Champions Trophy.

Australia

Cricket is a popular sport in Australia, with many Australians playing the game from a young age. The national cricket team, known as the “Aussies”, is one of the most successful teams in international cricket, having won the Cricket World Cup five times. The Australian team has several world-class players, including Steve Smith and David Warner.

Australia also plays a leading role in international cricket events such as the Indian Premier League, the Big Bash League, and the Ashes. Australia is one of the few countries worldwide to have a major international cricket tournament, making it an important member of the cricket community. Regarding how many countries play cricket, Australia is one of the main contenders.

India

India is a nation of cricket lovers, with over one billion passionate fans. It is no surprise then that India plays cricket internationally, making it one of the top countries in the world in terms of how many countries play cricket. India has been playing international cricket since 1932 and is one of the founding members of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

In addition to playing cricket domestically, India is also a major participant in global cricket events, having won the Cricket World Cup three times and the ICC Champions Trophy twice. India is also one of only twelve countries to play test cricket at the international level, making it one of the most successful countries in terms of how many countries play international cricket.

Pakistan

Pakistan is a key player in international cricket, having won the Cricket World Cup in 1992. The Pakistan cricket team also holds many world records, including the highest score in a single inning and the most consecutive Test series wins.

The nation has produced some of the game’s greatest players, such as Imran Khan, Babar Azam, Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq. Pakistan plays cricket with many nations worldwide, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Australia.

The country has six teams playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy First Class competition. Pakistan’s national team also regularly competes in international tournaments, making it one of the few countries worldwide that play international cricket.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean that has an ancient culture and vibrant history. The country is also known for being one of the top cricket-playing nations in the world. Sri Lanka competes in international cricket and is part of the International Cricket Council, which means it can play in major tournaments and events.

It has a long history of success in cricket, having won the 1996 Cricket World Cup and reaching the finals of the 2007 tournament. Regarding how many countries play cricket, Sri Lanka is near the top of the list.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is located in South Asia, one country that plays cricket. The country has a long history of playing the sport, from the 1950s to the first international match. Bangladesh is also home to some of the most successful teams in the world.

In addition to competing in international tournaments, the country competes in the domestic leagues. Cricket is a major sport in Bangladesh, and the nation is one of the top ten countries in the world for cricket. Numerous professional and amateur players in the country compete at all levels. So, it’s no wonder that Bangladesh is included in the list of how many countries play cricket.

South Africa

South Africa is one of the top cricketing nations in the world, with a long and proud history of playing international cricket. Since their readmission to international cricket in 1991, South African teams have enjoyed great success, becoming one of the top contenders in the world.

As of 2021, South Africa is one of the countries that play cricket on the international stage, boasting a team that consistently ranks amongst the best in the world. South Africa has participated in every Cricket World Cup since 1992 and has won Three-Test series against Australia, India, and England.

With such a strong record on the international stage, it’s no surprise that South Africa is included in the list of how many countries play cricket in the world.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that is particularly passionate about cricket. It is one of the countries part of the Commonwealth, which explains why cricket has become so popular here. New Zealand Cricket, or NZC, is the governing body for cricket in the country and organizes domestic and international competitions.

Their team, the Black Caps, has done well in the past, even going on to be one of the top sides in the world for a short time in the late 90s. They’ve also been consistently competitive internationally and have won several tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000-01 and ICC Test Championship. This has made them one of the more respected cricketing nations in the world.

West Indies

The West Indies is a region of the world comprising over 30 countries and territories, each with its rich cultural heritage and history. These countries are united by their shared love of cricket, with many teams competing on the international stage for decades.

The West Indies is also home to some of the greatest cricketers in history, from Viv Richards to Brian Lara, who have all played major roles in helping the region become one of the biggest contributors to international cricket.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a Southern African nation that has been playing cricket since the 19th century. This country was formerly known as Rhodesia, and it is believed that cricket was introduced to the area by British settlers. In 1992, It became an ICC-affiliated country and has participated in international competitions ever since.

The national team achieved Test status in 1992, becoming the ninth Test-playing nation. They have achieved mixed success in international tournaments over the years, with their most famous victory coming in 1999 when they beat India in the World Cup group stage.

96 Associate members and their Affiliate membership list

Remaining

Associate members granted with ODI Status list

Men’s ODI status

Women’s ODI Status

Dissolved Associate members list

FAQ’s

Q= How many countries play cricket list?

A= Currently, there are 106 cricket-playing nations.

Q= How many countries play international cricket?

A= There are 12 full members and 96 associate members.