From a 16th-century pastime for English shepherds to a multi-billion-dollar global industry, cricket has undergone one of the most dramatic evolutions in sporting history. Once described as a “gentleman’s game” played in leisurely meadows, it is now a high-octane spectacle that dictates political agendas and drives massive commercial markets. Cricket originated in the dense woodlands of Southeast England during the medieval period. The game’s name likely derives from the Old English word cricc, meaning a shepherd’s staff. In these early years, shepherds used their curved crooks as bats and targeted the “wicket gate” of the fence meant to protect the sheep.

By the 18th century, the game moved from village greens to the aristocratic circles of London. The first formal laws were drafted in 1744, establishing the 22-yard pitch—a measurement that remains the gold standard today. During this era, bats were shaped like hockey sticks because bowlers delivered the ball underarm along the ground. It wasn’t until the 1760s, when bowlers began pitching the ball through the air, that the straight bat was born.

The pinnacle of the sport, test cricket, began officially in 1877. The name “Test” signifies the ultimate examination of a player’s physical endurance and mental temperament. But why five days? Historically, matches were “timeless”—played until one side won. However, this became impractical for scheduling (one 1939 match between England and South Africa lasted 12 days and was only called off because the English team had to catch their ship home). Eventually, the five-day format was standardized to balance the need for two full innings per side with the logistical realities of modern travel and television. Cricket was primarily spread through the British military and colonial administration. Because Britain never formally colonized mainland Europe, there was no administrative infrastructure to “force” or encourage the game’s adoption. In contrast, countries like France, Germany, and Italy already had their own established aristocratic pastimes. By the time cricket was becoming a standardized sport in England, Europe was doubling down on gymnastics (in Germany) and cycling (in France), which were viewed as more “patriotic” or physically utilitarian. During the 19th century, particularly in France, there was a strong cultural resistance to adopting “English” habits. After the Napoleonic Wars, French nationalism sought to distinguish itself from British culture. Interestingly, cricket did have a brief foothold in France; it was actually an Olympic sport at the 1900 Paris Games. However, the only two teams were Great Britain and a “French” team that was actually composed mostly of British expats living in Paris. After that, the game withered away due to a lack of local interest.

For India, Hockey was the national pride, yielding six consecutive Olympic golds between 1928 and 1956. However, two major shifts occurred in the 1980s: The 1983 World Cup: India’s underdog victory against the West Indies at Lord’s gave the nation a new set of heroes. This was followed by the TV boom, as television became popular in Indian households, the slow, rhythmic nature of cricket proved more “watchable” than the frantic pace of hockey on turf. As the pace of life quickened, the sport adapted: One Day Internationals (ODI) were born in the 1970s, the 50-over format brought “colour” to the game—literally. It was Kerry Packer from Australia who introduced the coloured jerseys, white balls, and floodlights (the “World Series Cricket” era), the game became a television-friendly product and became a game to be watched by masses. T20 games were launched in 2003 to attract younger audiences, the 20-over format reduced the game to a three-hour “slugfest.” This was the catalyst for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, which turned cricketers into global millionaires and shifted the sport’s power centre to India. Today, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is the wealthiest sports body in the world. Its financial clout means it contributes nearly 70% of the ICC’s (International Cricket Council) revenue, effectively giving India the steering wheel of global cricket governance.

Cricket has often been a bridge where traditional diplomacy failed. “Cricket Diplomacy” between India and Pakistan has seen heads of state attend matches to de-escalate border tensions, most notably during the “Friendship Series” of 2004 and the 2011 World Cup semi-final. The game is now eyeing the “final frontier”: the USA. With the launch of Major League Cricket (MLC) and the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the sport is tapping into the vast American market and its South Asian diaspora. The future of cricket lies in a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. While Test cricket remains the “soul” for purists, the T20 franchise model is the “engine” of the economy. We are likely to see: Players choosing to be “T20 freelancers” rather than national representatives. Further integration of AI and data analytics in coaching and broadcasting and finally the global expansion with more “Associate” nations like the USA, Nepal, and Afghanistan challenging the traditional “Big Three” (India, England, Australia).

Cricket has ceased to be just a sport; it is now a geopolitical tool, a cultural identity, and a global business empire.

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director, Gauri Kaul Foundation

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