Top-10 most popular Cricket Tournaments And Leagues
Cricket as a sport multiplies the number of fans every day. Now every Asian fan has their favorite players and teams. Each country has its own types of tournaments, both national and international. In this article, we publish the most interesting tournaments that you should pay attention to.
We present to your attention the top 10 list of the most popular cricket leagues and tournaments. You will find out when and which competitions you can watch with great pleasure. Many players take part in several tournaments throughout the year. This way you can watch your favorites more often. You will also be able to place more bets on cricket. The wider the selection of sporting events, the greater the chances of your winning.
1. ICC Cricket World Cup and 2023 tournament
The ICC Cricket World Cup is the main international cricket championship in the One Day International (ODI) format. The ICC organization holds this tournament every 4 years. In terms of level and influence, this sporting event is comparable to the Olympic Games.
The best players of the planet compete in grandiose games between national teams. In 2023, the Cricket World Cup will be held in October and November. For the first time, all the games will be held in India. As you know, this championship was supposed to be held in February and March 2023, but it was postponed due to restrictions related to COVID-19. The following teams will take part:
- India;
- Sri Lanka;
- England;
- Bangladesh;
- Pakistan;
- South Africa;
- Australia;
- Afghanistan;
- Netherlands;
- New Zealand.
The venues of the games have already been determined, we will list the largest stadiums:
- Narenda Modi Stadium;
- M. Chinnaswamy;
- M.A. Chidambaram;
- Arun Jaitley;
- HPCA Stadium;
- Rajiv Gandhi International;
- Eden Gardens;
- BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium;
- Wankhede Stadium;
- Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium;
The history of the Cricket World Cup began in 1975. India and Pakistan joined in 1987. Further, since 1996, Australia has been the undisputed winner for many years. In the 12th tournament, the national team of England became the winner for the first time.
To date, the competitions are held in the Playoff format. Before that, group games are held.
2. ICC T20 World Cup
Another international Twenty20 cricket tournament. Previously, it had the name ICC World Twenty20. Every two years you can follow this equally significant event.
The first matches took place in 2007 in South Africa. No less interesting is the fact that India became the winner. The dynamism and accelerated format of the games will allow this tournament to become very prestigious and popular.
Some matches can take place in a few hours, unlike classic competitions. It should also be noted the high technology of the T20 World Cup. For example, the Hawk-Eye repeat system.
20 teams take part, and this rule was adopted in 2021. What are the features and advantages of the T20 cricket format, you can find out in our reviews and analyses.
3. ICC Champions Trophy
Why did we put this important competition in third place? The ICC Champions Trophy includes only 8 teams. For more than 20 years, participants have been selected based on the ODI rating. This tournament was transferred to the ICC World T20 and was held every 2-4 years. The last games were held in 2017 in England.
The ICC Champions Trophy as an event was elite in its participants. The short format of the matches was striking in its intensity and firmly went down in history as an exclusive cricket competition.
4. The Ashes
If you want to know where cricket originated from, then pay attention to this tournament. The Ashes takes place every three years and is held between the national teams of England and Australia. It all started in 1882 and repeats every three years and at the present time.
Many important and significant moments in the history of cricket as a sport occurred at the Ashes Games. Thanks to the desire to win and the Test cricket format, all matches are filled with entertainment and beauty.
The series of games consists of 5 matches until the winner is determined. The team that won is the holder of the urn (cup). It should be noted that this is the most prestigious, one of the oldest and most significant tournaments in the world. If you want to study the history of cricket, start with the Ashes.
5. Indian Premier League
Let’s draw your attention to the professional IPL league, which is known to take place in India. 10 teams compete with each other. This league is the most famous for its profitability and popularity on the continent. The games are held every spring from March to May since 2008 since the foundation. There is a limit on the number of players from other countries.
- Format of the event: T20
- Frequency: every year.
- Restrictions on the composition of the team: up to 4 foreign players for a squad of 11 players, and up to 8 players for 15 players.
Before the start of each season, there are auctions of franchises for players.
Let ‘s list the most famous IPL teams:
- Mumbai Indians
- Chennai Super Kings
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Surisers Hyderabad
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
The most powerful players:
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma
- Ms Dhoni
- David Warner
- AB de Villiers
The average salary of players ranges from $ 4 to $7 million. This is the second highest indicator worldwide among sports leagues. In 2023, the average cost of a match was $13 million. In 2010, this league was first broadcast on YouTube. The IPL has become an example for the creation of other cricket championships.
Among the most significant awards we note: Orange Cap, Purple Cap and Most Valuable Player.
6. Big Bash League BBL
BBL is an Australian professional cricket league founded in 2011. It replaced the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash. 8 teams participate in the matches, each of which represents its own city.
The time of the games: December, January and February, annually.
Each of the teams plays 14 matches and then goes to the playoffs of 4 participants.
The strongest teams are Sydney Sixers, Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers. Among the famous stars of world cricket it should be noted: Chris Lynn, D’arcy Short, Glenn Maxwell.
If you look at the organization of competitions, then each of them is provided with good media support. Every BBL game is a spectacular show. In addition, many players from other countries participate in this league.
7. Caribbean Premier League
The Caribbean Premier League is a professional cricket league in the Caribbean region. Matches are held in the T20 format. CPL has firmly won its place among the most significant world cricket championships.
Since 2013, since its inception, matches have been held annually, in August and September. The festive atmosphere of each competition leaves its mark on the impressions of the fans.
There are 6 teams participating in total. The most famous among them are: Barbados Tridents, Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors. As in other national leagues, foreign players are allowed to participate.
Be sure to watch the CPL matches to feel the atmosphere of these matches.
8. Pakistan Super League
Pakistan is another country in which cricket is the most popular sport. It is headed by the Pakistan Super League in the T20 format. These are professional tournament competitions of 6 teams.
The PSL held its first season in 2016. This is one of the national cricket leagues, which for security reasons was held outside the country in the United Arab Emirates. Each of the teams plays twice with each of the opponents.
For several seasons, the following clubs can be noted: Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi.
Pakistan Super Leauge has become popular outside of its country, so cricket fans from all over the world are happy to track every match.
9. Bangladesh Premier League
The BPL is another national tournament among professional teams in Asia. Cricket competitions are held in the T20 format.
- Date of the first season: 2012.
- Number of teams: 8
- The strongest teams are Dhaka Dynamites, Rajshahi Kings and Comilla Victorians.
- The time of the matches: November and December, annually.
For Bangladesh, cricket games have become a new breath in economic and tourist terms. Players who play for the BPL clubs also take part in other leagues. This makes it possible to attribute this league to the list of the most famous and popular in the world.
10. Country Championship
Separately, the Country Championship should be noted as the oldest and oldest cricket tournament. It originates from 1890, and was distributed between the counties of England and Wales.
Two divisions and 18 teams are a spectacular cricket show. The format of First-Class matches can take up to 4 days.
This tournament gathers many managers and potential buyers of players. Classic rules of the game and a long history give a special charm to each match. Popularization of cricket, traditions
Among the best Country Championship teams are: Yorkshire, Surrey and Essex. Many famous players started their way from England.
Conclusion:
Among these leagues, championships and tournaments, you will be able to choose the format of cricket games that is most suitable for you. Each of them takes place at different times of the year. Therefore, it is difficult to miss any games from the list from the field of view. After learning more information about these competitions, you will understand the characteristics of each player and the clubs in which he takes an active part as a national player or a legionnaire.