From Stumps to Stadiums: A Journey Through Cricket History

Many countries, including India and Australia, now love the sport that originated in England. Since cricket emerged, it has observed many changes throughout its journey. Today's cricket status has been destined only for a few selected sports (football). This game, which was played in its early days on agricultural land, is now played in stadiums equipped with modern advanced technologies.

Around 1640-45, Gambling was also introduced in cricket, which today’s sports enthusiasts enjoy by visiting various websites such as Sportsbet.io. This dedicated post about cricket tells you about the famous history and incidents that paved the way for the evolution of cricket.

The Anonymous History Of Cricket

Why anonymous? Because most of the early facts, like the exact origin of cricket and the formulation of cricket’s original rules come under the unknown category. It is believed that the cricket was originated by English shepherds, who played it in their pastime. Also, another story that says Cricket is thought to have originated in the 16th century, during Saxon or Norman times, among youngsters living in woodlands in southeast England.

Cricket's origins can be traced back to 1550, when Royal Grammar School students in Guildford, England, played their first game. Almost a century later, the first cricket game played by adults was recorded at Coxheath in Kent, England in 1646. Cricket remained a local game in England for the majority of the 17th century, with many people playing it after church on Sundays.

Due to England’s imperialism, the proliferation of cricket happened and reached out to India and other countries as well. By the mid-18th century, cricket had established its strong roots in London. Its popularity increased so much that women also started playing this game and the first known women’s cricket match took place at Surry in 1745. Subsequently, the 18th century also witnessed the craze of single-wicket games and potential changes in bat designs, as they used to be as hockey sticks.

In the 18th century, the first written rules of cricket and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) were established, and after that, the Marylebone Cricket Club codified the game's rules in 1797. As the 19th century came, Cricket underwent many transformations such as bowling changes, which used to bowl underarm bowling, now changed into round arm bowling and then overarm bowling.

The Present Scenario Of Cricket

Today, cricket has a very dominating fan base worldwide, after football. It is considered the most lucrative sport as well. Nowadays cricket is played across 108 countries in the world, in which only 12 countries can play test cricket. In the present scenario, the ICC (International Cricket Council) organizes International cricket tournaments such as the Cricket World Cup, ICC World Test Championship, and T20 World Cup.

Note that all these tournaments have witnessed jam-packed stadiums, no matter where the match occurs or which country's team is playing. In modern-day cricket matches, using stumps equipped with LED lights and zing bails became the new normal for players and fans. This pair of wickets cost around INR 50 Lacs, demonstrating cricket's phenomenal evolution.

Wrap Up

This game, which was once played on rough ground by thin wood things, is now played by professional players with all the facilities in modern tech-powered stadiums. Cricket is not just a sport, it's a religion or emotion in countries like India. Cricket inspires people and tells them that time will not remain the same; after all, Cricket is a great leveler!!