Some sports are popular almost everywhere around the globe. Cricket is one such sport and has billions of global fans. People not only enjoy watching the sport but love betting on it too. If you’re looking to brush up on your cricketing knowledge or want some betting advice, then websites such as https://www.cricketbettingadvice.com - CBA are worth checking out.
The World’s Second Most Popular Sport
Cricket is the world’s second most popular sport, and it’s easy to see why. It has a long history, dating back to the 16th century, with the first known match taking place in 1597 at Guildford in Surrey. It was originally played by shepherds and farmers who used it as an excuse to socialize and have a drink together after work.
Cricket was originally played with a wooden ball and a stick but evolved into what we know today; a game where two teams of 11 bat in turns on a pitch (a grassy oval) with an aim to outscore each other. There are three main forms of cricket: test cricket – played over five days, one-day internationals (ODIs), and Twenty Twenty internationals (T20). Test matches can last up to five days, depending on how fast a team scores runs and takes wickets. ODIs are always played over a day. They consist of 50 overs per side (sometimes lesser depending on weather conditions). T20s consist of 20 overs per innings and is one of the most entertaining formats of the game.
It’s More Than Just a Sport
The reason cricket is so popular is that it requires skill to play well, but the learning curve is quite short. It’s all about skill rather than brute strength or speed like some other sports require. In India, one will see almost every other child playing cricket in their backyard with friends. The passion for the sport is unparalleled.
Advantage Over Other Sports
Cricket has several advantages over other sports, resulting in more popularity. People of all ages can play the game. The rules are simple. You can play the game with just a bat and ball; no expensive equipment is needed. Even two people can play this game (gully cricket).
Cricket Is Very Intuitive
Cricket is intuitive as the rules are easy to understand, and the game isn’t complicated. This makes it easy for people who’ve never played the game to pick up on it quickly. It’s a sport that can be played both outdoors and indoors.
Cricket Can Be Played in Any Weather Conditions
One reason cricket is so popular is that it can be played in any weather conditions. Yes, there have been instances of international games being called off because of rain; however, local cricket among friends will go on, no matter the weather or light conditions.
It’s a Religion
Cricket is a religion in India, and it’s not hard to see why. The sport is so revered that it’s played on national holidays, and even the prime minister has admitted to being a cricket fan. The players are treated like rock stars, and their games are broadcast live to millions around the country. Fans even set up camp in front of their favorite player’s house to catch a glimpse of him as he comes and goes from practice or games.
It’s hard to talk about the sport without mentioning names like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. These legends have made cricket a part of their country’s culture, and their achievements are legendary.
Tendulkar is the world’s leading run-scorer in ODIs and Tests. He holds the record for most runs scored by an individual in both formats of cricket and the most centuries scored in Test matches.
Dravid was nicknamed “The Wall” because of his defensive batting style; he scored over 13,000 runs at an average of 52.31 overs in 164 Tests for India between 1996 and 2012. He was named India’s captain after Tendulkar retired from Test cricket in 2012 but resigned after just a year.
Conclusion
Although the sport may seem intimidating, it’s easy to see why cricket has become so popular. It takes a certain kind of person to love cricket and get into it, but those who do are passionate about it. Cricket may not be for everyone, but its growth in the US is undeniable. The sport has proven that its stronghold on the international level is here to stay, and with the help of T20 matches and other forms of media, more people are noticing it and becoming fans each year.
