- Cricket as a sport is not at par with some of the more popular ones like football, tennis, badminton, and hockey – just to name a few – in the global sporting firmament, is stating the obvious. Of course, cricket is hugely popular and followed in the world’s most populous country, like India need no further elaboration. We are most proud, as Indians, of grandly proclaiming that cricket is akin to a religion here, with everyone considering no less than an authority on the game. Such is the popularity of the sport in India, generating almost 70% of the revenue for the game’s sustenance. Little wonder, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not only the richest cricket board but also one of the richest in the whole gamut of the world’s sporting associations.
PC: ICC
- For all its efforts, cricket hasn’t yet reached the pinnacle of popularity around the world. For the uninitiated, as of early 2026, 110 member nations are under the International Cricket Council (ICC) that officially play cricket, comprising 12 full members (who play Test cricket) and 98 Associate Members. These nations span five regions: Africa, Asia, East Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Despite efforts to reach out to increase its popularity, cricket is not yet there compared to some of the most popular ones, as mentioned above. As true cricket connoisseurs would have noticed, efforts are underway to increase the game’s presence, providing not only world-class infrastructure but also a competitive environment to play against some of the best teams.
PC: cricexec
- This is where the shortest format of the game, T20, comes into the fore. The ongoing T20 ICC World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, must be viewed in terms of exposure for some of the qualified associate members, but also offering them an opportunity to play against the best in the business. Unlike the classic format Tests, T20 can be marketed more purposefully with the slam-bang variety offering instant thrill-a-ball entertainment for the entire duration of 40 overs. Most importantly, some of the internationally acclaimed cricketers from Test-playing nations have become global superstars on the back of sustained performances, thereby inviting the best global brands to appoint them as ambassadors. This has ensured the game’s reach to various shores.
PC: Cricket Times
- Thus, the ongoing T20 World Cup has nine associate members, viz. Canada, Oman, UAE, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Nepal, Namibia, and the USA are participating in the marquee tournament, which will be a great opportunity to further popularize the game globally. Of course, the World Cup has already had a share of some riveting drama when Bangladesh refused to travel to India, citing security concerns. This was duly brushed aside by the ICC, what with Scotland replacing Bangladesh before the tournament kicked off. Likewise, initially, Pakistan refused to play against India in Sri Lanka. As you read this, Pakistan has already made a U-turn and will play India. The World Cup augurs well for the spread of the sport to nook and corner of the world. Way to go!
