Cricket: Formats, Teams, Tournaments & History
Cricket is the only sport in the world that has 3 different formats: Test, ODIs (one-day internationals), and T20. Surprisingly, every format has different rules. For instance, in white ball cricket (ODI & T20), whenever a No-ball is bowled, you will get a free hit on the next ball, while it doesn’t happen in Test Cricket. Here, you will get to know more about what exactly cricket is, formats in which it is played, teams, tournaments, and the history of the sport.
What is Cricket?
Cricket is a fun team game played between 2 teams, where you need 11 players in the each teams. It is played with a bat and a ball. One team bats and tries to score runs. The other team bowls and fields to stop the runs. The team with more runs wins.
Why Cricket Is Popular Around the World
Cricket is a sport taken by Britishers to the countries once ruled by them. Commonwealth countries still loves the sports a lot. Countries like India, Australia, England, Pakistan, and more are such names. People enjoy watching cricket because it is exciting nail biting finishes, full of action, and has many cool players.
Main Formats of Cricket
Cricket is played in different ways. Let’s learn about the main types of cricket.
Test Cricket
- As its name suggests, Test cricket is the longest format where you need to bowl 90 overs in a day. A match can go for up to 5 days or 4 innings. Players wear white clothes. It is slow but full of skill, dedication, and teamwork.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- ODIs are shorter. Each team gets 50 overs to bat. These matches are exciting and end in just one day. Played with the white ball, bowlers can bowl maximum of 10 overs, their are powerplay rules for overs, in which field restrictions are imposed.
Twenty20 (T20) Cricket
- T20 is fast and full of fun, entertainment and nail biting finishes. Each team bats for only 20 overs each. The match lasts about 3 hours and feels like a festival on the ground.
The Rise of T10 Cricket
Although, it doesn’t get a green flag from the ICC, this format is played in league called T10. Where each team bats for just 10 overs. It is fast, fun, and full of big hits. The Abu Dhabi T10 League is a famous T10 tournament.
Key Rules and Gameplay Basics
Here are some simple rules of cricket.
How a Cricket Match Works?
It is played between two teams – one team bats and tries to score runs while other team bowls and fields to restrict them. Two players stay at the pitch with the bat, while 11 players from opposition team bowls and field. After that, they switch. At the end, the team with the most runs wins.
Scoring System and Key Terminology
- Run – Points scored when batters run between wickets.
- Wicket – When a batter is out.
- Over – 6 balls bowled by one bowler.
- Boundary – 4 or 6 runs scored when the ball hits or crosses the edge.
Understanding Fielding Positions
There are many places to stand on the field like:
- Slip
- Point
- Cover
- Mid-off
- Long-on
Fielders stop the ball and try to get the batters out.
Major International Tournaments
These big events bring the best teams from all over the world.
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup
Held every 4 years, it is the biggest cricket event. Teams play 50-over matches. India, Australia, and England have all won it.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host Country |
| 1975 | West Indies | Australia | England |
| 1979 | West Indies | England | England |
| 1983 | India | West Indies | England |
| 1987 | Australia | England | India & Pakistan |
| 1992 | Pakistan | England | Australia & New Zealand |
| 1996 | Sri Lanka | Australia | India, Pakistan & Sri Lanka |
| 1999 | Australia | Pakistan | England |
| 2003 | Australia | India | South Africa |
| 2007 | Australia | Sri Lanka | West Indies |
| 2011 | India | Sri Lanka | India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh |
| 2015 | Australia | New Zealand | Australia & New Zealand |
| 2019 | England | New Zealand* | England & Wales |
| 2023 | Australia | India | India |
ICC T20 World Cup
This is for T20 cricket. Matches are quick and thrilling. Many fans enjoy watching and placing online bets during these games.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host Country |
| 2007 | India | Pakistan | South Africa |
| 2009 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | England |
| 2010 | England | Australia | West Indies |
| 2012 | West Indies | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | India | Bangladesh |
| 2016 | West Indies | England | India |
| 2021 | Australia | New Zealand | UAE & Oman |
| 2022 | England | Pakistan | Australia |
| 2024 | India | South Africa | USA & West Indies |
ICC Champions Trophy
A short tournament with the top cricket teams. It is like a mini World Cup.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host Country |
| 1998 | South Africa | West Indies | Bangladesh |
| 2000 | New Zealand | India | Kenya |
| 2002 | India & Sri Lanka (shared) | – | Sri Lanka |
| 2004 | West Indies | England | England |
| 2006 | Australia | West Indies | India |
| 2009 | Australia | New Zealand | South Africa |
| 2013 | India | England | England & Wales |
| 2017 | Pakistan | India | England & Wales |
| 2025 | India | New Zealand | Dubai & Pakistan |
ICC World Test Championship
This is for teams that play Test matches. The best two teams play in a final to win the trophy.
| Cycle | Winner | Runner-Up | Final Venue |
| 2019–2021 | New Zealand | India | The Oval, England |
| 2021–2023 | Australia | India | The Oval, England |
| 2023–2025 | South Africa | Australia | Lord’s, England |
Popular Domestic and Franchise Leagues
These cricket leagues are played by franchises names after cities or clubs, not countries.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
The IPL is the most famous T20 league. It has teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and RCB. Players from many countries join in.
Big Bash League (BBL)
Started back in 2011, the BBL is a T20 cricket league from Australia. Played by men’s and women’s. It is known for cool lights, music, and action-packed matches.
Pakistan Super League (PSL)
The PSL is Pakistan’s main T20 league. It is fun to watch and has top players from all over the world.
Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
The CPL is full of fun, music, joy, entertainment, amazing crowd celebrating the sports. It is played in the West Indies.
The Hundred (England)
A new format in England. Each team plays 100 balls. It is fast, different, and very fun.
Lanka Premier League (LPL)
LPL is Sri Lanka’s T20 league. Many famous players take part in it.
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
BPL is the top league in Bangladesh. It is exciting and has big crowds.
Abu Dhabi T10 League
This league is for 10-over cricket. Matches are short, fun, and full of sixes. It’s great for fans who want quick action.
Top Cricketing Nations
Many countries love and play cricket. Here are some of the top ones:
| Country | Key Achievements |
| India | Multiple ICC trophies, Strong IPL league |
| Australia | Most ODI World Cup wins |
| England | Inventor of cricket, 2019 ODI WC winners |
| Pakistan | 2009 T20 WC & 2017 Champions Trophy winners |
| New Zealand | 2019 ODI WC runner-up, 2021 WTC winners |
| South Africa | Strong Test and ODI history |
| Sri Lanka | 1996 ODI WC & 2014 T20 WC winners |
| West Indies | 2x ODI WC, 2x T20 WC champions |
| Bangladesh | Growing strength, passionate fanbase |
| Afghanistan | Rising team, known for strong bowlers |
These countries have great teams and many fans.
Cricketing Legends and Icons
Past Greats of the Game
- Sachin Tendulkar (India) – The “God of Cricket”
- Brian Lara (West Indies) – Famous for big scores
- M Murlidharan (Sri Lanka) – Best Bowler in the world with highest wickets
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – Greatest all-rounder
- James Anderson (England) – Fast bowler with the second highest wickets in ICC tally.
Modern-Day Stars
- Virat Kohli (India) – Run Machine, fans also called him “King Kohli” will be seeing playing only one format.
- Joe Root (England) – Strong in Tests, and expected to finish as the highest run getter in test matches.
- Steve Smith (Australia) – Consistent batter, who has unique batting style.
Iconic Cricket Venues Around the World
Lord’s, MCG, Eden Gardens, and More
- Lord’s in England also called The “Home of Cricket”
- Chepauk in Chennai, India is the first cricket ground in India, witnessed many historic games
- MCG in Australia is a Huge stadium with big crowds, has witnessed history.
These stadiums are known for their history, fans, and exciting matches.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is the difference between Test, ODI, and T20 cricket?
- Test – Played over 5 days, slower and longer.
- ODI – 50 overs per team, finishes in a day.
- T20 – 20 overs per team, very fast and exciting.
How long does a cricket match last?
- Test match – 5 days.
- ODI – 7-8 hours.
- T20 – Around 3 hours.
- T10 – Just 90 minutes.
What are the most prestigious cricket tournaments?
- ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup
- ICC T20 World Cup
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- ICC World Test Championship
What is a “Super Over” in cricket?
A “Super Over” is a tie-breaker. When both teams score the same runs, each team gets 1 extra over (6 balls). The team that scores more wins.
What is “sledging” in cricket?
Sledging is when players tease or talk to the other team to distract them. It’s sometimes funny but can go too far. Players must stay respectful.