Interesting Facts About the Sport of Cricket

Nobody is quite sure of the exact origins of cricket, but it is certain that it evolved over the years into a sport enjoyed by many. What is certain is that in 1787, the Marylebone Cricket Club was formed. This was the first official cricket club and the first match took place in Dorset Square in London. Throughout the following years, the sport continued to change from the size of the wickets to the use of pads.

  1. Popularity

    • Cricket, while not mainstream in the United States, is the second most popular sport in the world. It is played in over 130 countries. The reason for this widespread popularity is in part due to the fact the British took the sport all over the world with them and introduced it to the people they met along the way.

    American Origins

    • People have been playing cricket in America since the 1700s. It started in the Chesapeake area when the settlers arrived there. The sport was also the precursor to the evolution of baseball in New York, which has now been dubbed "America's favorite pastime." It continues to grow bigger every year in the United States.

    Differences Between Cricket and Baseball

    • While baseball is derived from cricket, there are many differences. One is that instead of hitting the ball, throwing the bat to the side and taking off running, cricketers must run while holding the bat. Fielders cannot wear gloves in cricket, and there is also no such thing as a "foul ball." The biggest difference is how the ball is sent to the hitter. In cricket the ball is rolled instead of thrown.

    Cricket and the Olympics

    • Cricket has appeared in the Olympics only twice. The first time was in 1896 in Athens, however, when it came down to it there were not enough teams to compete so the competition did not occur. Then, in 1900 at the Paris Olympics, only two teams were able to compete: Great Britain and France. The winner, Great Britain, received the gold medal. Cricket has not appeared in any Olympic games since.

    A Sport for Everyone

    • The former manager of the United States cricket team, Hubert Carlyle Miller, said cricket is an egalitarian sport. Players do not have to be as muscular and tall as athletes who play other sports have to be. The average American can go out, pick up a bat, and be able to be a part of a cricket team. This aspect will definitely contribute to the increased interest and participation in the sport.