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List of Most Popular Cricket Tournaments in the World

Cricket, revered as a sporting religion in nations like India, England, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, has attained unparalleled global popularity. Its dynamic nature, showcased through diverse formats, shapes a captivating tournament landscape, distinguishing it from other sports and attracting fervent bettors. This exploration delves into the rich history and intricacies of prestigious global cricket tournaments, shedding light on their cultural significance.

From the venerable traditions of Test cricket to the electrifying excitement of T20 competitions, cricket boasts a diverse range of tournaments, each possessing its unique allure. Unraveling the narratives behind these tournaments unveils legacies that have profoundly influenced the cricketing world, captivating fans across generations. The amalgamation of skill, strategy, and passion in these tournaments provides an ideal platform for sports betting enthusiasts.

This journey not only traverses the historical tapestry of renowned cricket tournaments but also guides prospective bettors by spotlighting premier bookmakers adept at navigating the complexities of cricket betting. Join us on this expedition through the cricketing cosmos, where the resonance of the bat and the roar of the crowd converge to create a symphony of sporting excellence.

Top 10 Popular Cricket Tournaments Worldwide

Discover the global landscape of cricket betting with the top 10 tournaments spanning various cricket formats. With diverse variations, cricket caters to a wide audience, making it accessible to all. Navigating the plethora of tournaments might seem overwhelming for newcomers, but our guide simplifies the process by spotlighting the largest and most popular 10 cricket tournaments worldwide.

1. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, held quadrennially since 1975, stands as cricket’s foremost trophy. In the 21st century, amidst the surge in popularity of various cricket formats, the World Cup retains its prestigious position. With a structure comprising a round-robin phase and subsequent knockout rounds, the tournament encompasses the participation of 10 teams.

2. ICC Champions Trophy

Established in 1998 as the ICC Knockout Tournament, the ICC Champions Trophy, an ODI competition, has evolved significantly. Originally held every four years, the tournament was discontinued in 2017 to streamline prizes across cricket formats. However, in 2021, the ICC reversed its decision, reinstating the event, which is slated to make a comeback in 2025.

3. T20 World Cup

Established in 2007, the T20 World Cup swiftly became a pivotal cricketing extravaganza, showcasing the escalating popularity of the T20 format. Featuring top-notch players globally, it parallels the significance of the ICC World Cup, occurring biennially and firmly establishing itself as a pivotal fixture in the cricket calendar.

4. Ashes Series

The Ashes, the world’s oldest cricket competition, unfolds biennially as a best-of-five test series between England and Australia. Hosted alternately by the teams, the month-long tournament comprises five-day tests. Revered in both nations, it stands as a premier test series globally, renowned for its exceptional quality. England and Australia, among the cricket elite, draw widespread enthusiasm from bookmakers and punters, amplifying the series’ popularity.

5. Champions League Twenty20

The annual Champions League Twenty20, conducted from 2008 to 2014, comprised twelve teams engaging in a September to October round-robin and knockout format. Teams from eight test-playing nations participated, but the tournament ceased in 2014 due to low viewership.

6. Indian Premier League

Established in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) stands as the globe’s preeminent cricket league, gaining unparalleled popularity. As an annual event, it boasts a colossal viewership of almost 400 million, solidifying its status as one of the largest sporting spectacles globally. With ten teams vying for the coveted prize, the Mumbai Indians reign as the most triumphant franchise in IPL history. Renowned as the pinnacle of T20 competitions, the league captivates cricket enthusiasts worldwide and has evolved into an iconic sporting phenomenon, drawing widespread acclaim for its thrilling matches and star-studded line-ups.

7. Pakistan Super League (PSL)

PSL also known Pakistan Super League is a cricket tournament played in Pakistan between 6 franchise teams. It was started back in 2015. You can check the PSL live score here at 96in.com and place bets on your favorite team and your favorite players.

8. Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a prestigious test-cricket series between Australia and India, commenced in 1996 and has seen 16 editions. Named in honor of cricket legends, it stands as a testament to their prowess. India has been the dominant force, clinching victory in the series 10 times, showcasing their cricketing excellence.

9. Asia Cup

The Asia Cup stands as the sole continental cricket competition globally, distinguished by its alternating format between T20 and ODI tournaments. Established in 1984, this unique event has seen India emerge as the dominant force, clinching victory seven times.

10. Caribbean Premier League

The CPL T20 is a Twenty20 cricket competition inspired by the renowned IPL T20 league, established by West Indies Cricket in 2013. This tournament comprises a total of 34 matches, featuring two qualifiers, one eliminator, and a final, following a format similar to the IPL. You can do dream 11 team prediction on CPL games via 96in.com Login.

History of cricket competitions

The origins of cricket remain shrouded in uncertainty regarding its exact founding period. Nevertheless, it is firmly rooted in South-East England, with Kent and Sussex serving as its initial home. Despite its enduring popularity in England over centuries, cricket did not truly evolve into a competitive sport until the late 1800s.

A pivotal moment in cricket’s history unfolded with the inception of the first County Championship in England in 1890. By then, the sport had transcended national borders, leading to the inaugural Ashes series in 1892/93. Simultaneously, various nations were actively establishing their own cricket tournaments—Australia introduced the Sheffield Cup, South Africa initiated the Currie Cup, New Zealand inaugurated the Plunket Shield, and India launched the Ranji Trophy.

Cricket’s momentum surged unabated throughout the 20th century, culminating in the establishment of the ICC Men’s World Cup in 1975, preceded by the women’s edition in 1973. The dawn of the 21st century witnessed a proliferation of new tournaments, propelled by the advent of T20 cricket. In 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL), now the world’s most-watched league, emerged, while the inaugural T20 World Cup unfolded in Australia a year earlier.

The pace of tournament creation continues unabated, exemplified by the formation of The Hundred in 2021—a British league featuring 100-ball cricket. Impressively, this league has swiftly gained immense popularity within a brief timeframe. The dynamic evolution of cricket, marked by the introduction of innovative formats and leagues, underscores the sport’s adaptability and enduring global appeal.

What are test rankings in cricket?

The ICC test rankings categorize the 12 test cricket-playing nations, with updates following each match. Formerly, the top-ranked team received a cash prize on April 1st, but this practice has been discontinued as the world test championship is been introduced, in which teams have to play in 6 bilateral tournaments 3 home & 3 away. Points in each bilateral series are divided as per the number of matches. Winning and drawing games give you points. At the end of 2 years cycle, the Top 2 teams in that table compete against each other in a final match at Lords, England, and the winners get a test championship trophy.

What are ODI rankings?

The ICC ODI rankings evaluate cricket teams in one-day internationals, assigning points through a mathematical formula after matches. This table serves as a benchmark to identify the top-performing teams globally in one-day international cricket, offering a quantitative measure of their prowess in the sport.

What are T20 rankings?

T20 rankings evaluate international T20 teams using a sophisticated mathematical formula, akin to test and ODI rankings. Points are assigned after each match, influencing a team’s standing in the rankings.

What is the best
cricket tournament to bet on?

It depends upon an individual and their choice. There are many tournaments available for cricket betting at 96.com –

  • ODI world cup
  • T20 World cup
  • IPL – Indian premier league
  • BBL – Big bash league
  • BGT – Border Gavaskar trophy
  • Ashes – Australia vs England
  • Champions trophy
  • Asia cup
  • Natwest Series
  • County cricket
  • The hundred
  • T10 league
  • Legends league cricket

Conclusion

Cricket stands out as an optimal sport for betting due to its diverse formats and variations. With Test series catering to purists and dynamic options like T20 and The local regional tournaments providing fast-paced excitement, cricket offers a unique edge. The abundance of formats and tournaments ensures a constant stream of intriguing betting opportunities. 96.com Bookmaker frequently presents enticing incentives such as rewards and bonuses, enhancing the overall appeal for bettors seeking diverse and engaging wagers.

The Indian Premier League clinches the title effortlessly, boasting a global audience of approximately 400 million. It stands as not only the most-watched cricket league but also ranks among the world's most-viewed sporting events, showcasing its widespread popularity.
The Ashes, the world's oldest cricket tournament, occurs biannually between England and Australia. This historic five-day test series, initiated in 1883 (with disputed reports pointing to 1882), comprises five tests. The coveted prize is an urn, famously called the Ashes, awarded to the victorious team.
The ICC Men's World Cup, cricket's most lucrative event, boasts the largest prize pool. In the 2023 edition, the ICC disclosed a substantial $10 million prize fund allocated among participating teams. The champions and finalists stand to earn $4 million and $2 million, while the remaining share is distributed among the other eight tournament contenders.