Why cricket is popular in 12 countries only? Reasons explained

In India, cricket enjoys a gigantic fan following. It’d seem impossible for Indians to think of a nation that doesn’t play cricket professionally at all. Moreover, other countries of the Indian sub-continent have also been among the top nations. And the game enjoys tremendous popularity. But, many European countries maintain a safe distance from the game. Have a look at the reason why cricket is popular only in a handful of nations.

The International cricket governing body, International Cricket Council [ICC] has 106 member countries. Among which 94 countries are associate members. Whereas, only the 12 other are full member countries. Cricket has a rich history. It has been played for almost two centuries now. However, the first Test was played only in 1877 between England and Australia.

Reasons for Cricket being popular only in some nations

Cricket is a colonial sport

If we examine the full-time member countries closely. we will notice that most of the countries that play cricket are commonwealth nations. Which are the countries that have been colonized by the British. Since these countries have an unmatched craze for the game. It is a wide perception by several non-cricketing countries that cricket is a colonial sport. Therefore, they avoid playing the game.

Also read: 5 Player vs Cricket Board Fights in Cricket History

The countries that have never taken the game seriously include several European nations. England being an exception since they are the pioneers of cricket. In addition, China, France, Russia, Japan, and Switzerland are the countries that don’t engage in cricket. Whereas, the countries that have been under British control- Australia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, etc have immense popularity for the game.

All ICC full member countries