Every corner of the globe loves different sports. Whether it is ice hockey and American football in North America or football and basketball in Africa, there are certain sports that define nations. One sport that is known for its global appeal and has rapidly become a phenomenon with fans and bettors alike is cricket.
Cricket is an iconic game that has been spread to every corner of the planet, and many have taken note. Now, cricket is a sport that people can expect to see on every major television channel, social media platform, or betting site. But what has contributed to the continued massive rise of cricket as a global favourite? Below, we’ll discuss some of the key reasons cricket has taken off.
Massive Global Fanbase
There are few sports that have managed to achieve the widespread growth of cricket. The sport has become one of the most beloved in places like England, Australia, India, the Caribbean, and Nigeria. With high-stakes rivalries, global competitions, and a range of domestic leagues, it is only natural that fans are interested in tuning in. Any sport with such a large pool of fans is guaranteed to see growth, as fans pass their passions on to the next generation.
Popularity of Sports Betting Platforms
Another contributing factor is the fact that the popularity of online sports betting platforms only continues to surge. In many countries, including Canada and the United States, these platforms have become fully legal, allowing those who were not familiar with sports betting the ability to wager. The more people who are active on these platforms, the more popular betting on cricket will be. The rise of these betting platforms has fueled the sport’s growth, as people discover cricket through online gambling and later become fans of the game itself.
Appeal of Leagues with Shorter Matches
One of the more structural changes that has helped catch bettors’ attention is the rise of the Twenty20 format. Shorter matches mean that cricket is no longer just for the diehards who enjoy multi-day Test cricket. The sport is more action-packed than before, with high-scoring, fast-paced games that are easier to follow for those with less experience. Leagues like the Big Bash League, Indian Premier League, and Caribbean Premier League are all utilizing this format and becoming much more popular with fans because of it. Most people would not give the long format of Test cricket a chance, but Twenty20 has changed that.
Unmatched Rivalries
Rivalries are what get many into sports. It is hard to beat the incredible excitement that comes with two teams playing one another where there is so much on the line. Every sport has rivalries, from the Lakers and Celtics in basketball to the many derbies in football. But few sports can beat the true, heated international rivalries found in cricket. There are so many incredible rivalries in the sport, like India and Pakistan, England and Australia, and England and India. These rivalries blend history and politics, with rabid fanbases. The games are often incredibly heated, making for an unmatched viewing experience. Naturally, these rivalries are perfect television. It is a great way for people who are not fans of the sport to fall in love with the game.
Rise of Fantasy Sports
One trend that has had a major role in shaping the rise of the cricket fandom is the popularity of fantasy sports. Fantasy sports are something of a starter pack for getting into a sport. It gets fans invested in outcomes that don’t necessarily have anything to do with the team they support. Often, there is also a financial incentive involved, as well. Fantasy cricket has surged in recent years. There are now numerous fantasy cricket outlets, a range of ways to play, and more players than ever before. This has served to get many people interested in the world of cricket who would not necessarily have been interested before.
More Media Focus on Cricket
The media plays a big role in shaping our perceptions, and media coverage of cricket has been instrumental in getting the sport in front of more fans. Mainstream media outlets around the world have started broadcasting and promoting the sport, making it more accessible to fans who might not have been familiar with it. There are still many markets that are not as associated with cricket that the sport has the potential to take off with. The United States is one of the world’s biggest media markets, and cricket has yet to truly blossom. But with more games being broadcasted in the country, there is a real chance that the fanbase can continue to grow. One of the world’s oldest sports still can tap into new fanbases.
