One of the most popular sports followed and played by millions around the globe is cricket. It is a known fact that this game has existed for centuries, but not many are clear about its origins. This article explains the multitude of details revolving around the history of cricket, how it evolved, and why it is the global phenomenon it is today.
The Inception of Cricket and Its Historical Context
The question of ‘where did cricket originate lose its significance when England became the answer, owing to the abundance of literature documenting the game from the 16th century. At this point, children residing in the woodlands of Weald would often play the game which began capturing the attention of older demographics as well.
The Progression of Cricket in England
By the 17th century, cricket was evolving as a sport. The game gained attention from the upper-class and was played as a pastime. In 1611, a dictionary classifies cricket as a children’s game, as it stemmed from simple origins. But by the end of the 17th century, cricket had transformed from village entertainment to a sport with real structure and defined rules.
The Acceptance of Cricket Among Upper-class Society
By the 18th century, cricket evolved from only a rural children’s sport. The sport was embraced by English high society which lead to the formation of cricket clubs. The Hambledon Club formed in the 1760s and was one of the earliest teams that helped formulate the first written rules of the game.
The Creation of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
In 1787, the installation of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) was a major turning point in the history of cricket. The MCC became the first authoritative body on the sport and formulated laws that are still crucial to the game. In particular, these regulations enhanced the competitive nature of cricket due to increase in structure and organization.
Cricket Expansion Outside England
Everywhere the British Empire Colonized, Cricket was introduced. The British soldiers, traders and colonists carried it with them while traveling. Some of the major locations include the following:
India: British colonial officers playing cricket in India led to local Indians taking up the sport. By the 19th century, cricket had become a popular game in the country.
Australia: Cricket was introduced to Australia in the early 19th century, and the first recorded match took place in 1803. Today, the Ashes series played between England and Australia is one of the greatest rivalries in the sport.
West Indies: During British colonization, cricket was brought to the Caribbean where it fueled as a major sport.
South Africa: The British brought cricket to South Africa in the early 19th century, which soon led to the establishment of domestic competitions.
New Zealand: Cricket was brought to New Zealand in the 1830s. The first documented game was played in 1842.
The Introduction of International Cricket
The first intercontinental cricket match was hosted in 1844 between Canada and the USA. Though the 1st officially recorded Test match was in 1877 when England played Australia. This was the beginning of intercontinental competitive cricket.
The Impact of Cricket on Colonialism and Cultivation of National Identity
Different countries had their nationalism shaped through cricket. In the case of India, the game signified the fight against the British Empire. In the Caribbean, it served as a medium for artistic and economic advancement.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Formation
The Inter Continental Cricket Board established in 1909 would later be known as The International Cricket Council. ICC is now known as the world’s only cricket governing body which organizes international matches, tournaments, and regulated cricket at the international level.
The Development of Limited-Overs Cricket
Test cricket reigned over the sport for close to a century before One Day Internationals (ODIs) were introduced in the 1970’s. The Cricket World Cup of 1983, which was won by India, greatly increased the popularity of cricket around the world.
The Beginning of T20 (Twenty20) Cricket
In this century, there has been the introduction of T20 (Twenty20) cricket, believed to be a new crowd-pulling format of the game. The introduction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 changed cricket from a traditional sport to the sport of business.
Conclusion
The beginnings of cricket can be somewhat assumed to date back to the 16th century England. It was initially played as children’s fun activity and later developed into an elite sport. English transposed the game across the globe with the rise of the empire, and now the sport portrays immense popularity in all the continents. Cricket definitely evolved over the years and the way it was popularized guaranteed a cult like following all around the world.
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