Cricket is a bat-and-ball team sport that originated in southern England around the 16th century. Inspired by medieval rural games such as "stoolball," cricket was adopted by English nobility in the 17th century and has since undergone various changes to become a widely admired sport in the UK and its former colonies, including India, Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa.

Basic Rules of Cricket

The game is played between two teams, each consisting of 11 players. Matches take place on an oval field, with a central rectangular area called the "pitch," measuring approximately 20.12 meters in length. At each end of the pitch, there is a structure called the "wicket," made up of three vertical stumps and two small horizontal bails.

The main objective is to score more runs than the opposing team. During the match, one team bats while the other bowls and fields. The bowler throws the ball toward the wicket, aiming to knock off the bails, while the batter tries to defend the wicket and hit the ball to score runs. Runs are scored when the batters run between the ends of the pitch after a valid hit.

Major Cricket Competitions

Cricket features several major international tournaments:

• Cricket World Cup: Held every four years, it is the most prestigious tournament in the sport, featuring the best national teams competing for the world title.

• ICC T20 World Cup: Focused on the shorter Twenty20 format, this biennial event is known for its fast-paced and exciting matches that attract a wide audience.

• The Ashes: One of the most traditional Test series, played between England and Australia since 1882, famous for its intense rivalry and rich history.

Cricket remains a hugely popular sport in many countries, with a dedicated fan base and tournaments that draw millions of viewers around the world.