Cricket is an ancient game and first played in its birthplace of England. From a modest bat-and-ball pastime that took shape in England, cricket has grown into an international game with billions of fans and players. Cricket is expanding annually; Asia to Europe, Africa to the Americas. How Many Countries Play Cricket Today – Frequently Asked Question from fans and Students People who love sport ask how many countries play cricket today.
This is an excellent and plain article to explain that question in full detail. It describes how cricket has gone global, the number of countries who play cricket as an official game and just what ICC full Member status means for a country that plays cricket and on the growth of the global game. The text remains extremely straightforward that anyone can read it easily.
What is Cricket and Why it is Considered a World Game?
Cricket is not merely a game, it’s an institution in several countries. Cricket is also a high-spirited game that is followed with extreme passion in various countries including India, Pakistan, England, and Australia. But at the other end of the scale, smaller countries are increasingly embracing the game and nurturing cricketing structures.
When people ask about how many countries play cricket, they want to know the number of nations that play cricket on a serious note (officially recognized by a sporting body or association) at international level; and not just some sports that kids are planning every evening in the park or at street alleys.
What Is ‘Playing Cricket’ for a Country?
Not every country in which people casually play cricket is considered an official cricket playing nation. To become a country recognized by the rest of the world, a nation must:
- National Cricket Governing Body Have an independent national cricket governing body
- Be affiliated to the International Cricket Council (ICC)
- Participate in ICC-recognized international matches
Countries that do not meet these requirements are not included in the count of how many countries play cricket officially.
The Role of International Cricket Council (ICC)
World cricket is controlled by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The company was established in 1909 and is headquartered in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
Main Responsibilities of the ICC:
- Governing international cricket
- Organizing global tournaments
- Setting cricket rules and regulations
- Promoting cricket in new countries
- Managing rankings and development programs
It is the ICC that decides who can play international cricket, and in what category.
How Many Countries Play Cricket in the World – Overview
Despite all this, as of 2025 there are 108 member nations (countries and territories that belong to the ICC) which play cricket.
These nations can be classified as belonging to one of two specific categories:
- Full Member Nations
- Associate Member Nations
Previously, there was a third membership type called Affiliate Members; however, it was merged into Associate Members in 2017 by the ICC.
ICC Membership Breakdown (2025)
| Category | Number of Countries |
| Full Members | 12 |
| Associate Members | 96 |
| Total | 108 |
So, the true and updated answer to how many countries play cricket is 108 countries.
Full Member Countries Explained
The Full Members are the most powerful cricket nations in the world. These are the countries who have earned the right to play Test cricket,the longest and oldest form of the game.
Key Features of Full Members
- Permanent Test status
- Strong domestic cricket systems
- High ICC funding
- Regular participation in ICC tournaments
List of ICC Full Member Countries
| No. | Country | Year Became Full Member |
| 1 | England | 1909 |
| 2 | Australia | 1909 |
| 3 | South Africa | 1909 |
| 4 | West Indies | 1926 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 1926 |
| 6 | India | 1926 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 1952 |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | 1981 |
| 9 | Zimbabwe | 1992 |
| 10 | Bangladesh | 2000 |
| 11 | Ireland | 2017 |
| 12 | Afghanistan | 2017 |
Those 12 are the highest echelon of world cricket.
Associate Member Countries Explained
Associate Members are nations with some growing interest in cricket. These nations participate in:
- ICC regional tournaments
- T20 International matches
- World Cup qualifiers
Numerous Associate Countries have had performances of high quality against Full Member Teams in recent years.
Examples of Associate Member Countries
Notable Associate cricket-playing nations include the following:
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Scotland
- Namibia
- United States
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
- Hong Kong
- Papua New Guinea
- Canada
Another 96 Associate Members represent those who play cricket, most of the countries that answer the question how many countries play cricket.
Cricket Across Different Continents
The global audience for cricket is now nearly as broad, the game being played on virtually every continent.
Cricket-Playing Countries by Continent
| Continent | Approximate Number of Countries |
| Asia | 25+ |
| Europe | 30+ |
| Africa | 20+ |
| Americas | 15+ |
| Oceania | 10+ |
| Middle East | 8+ |
This massive league indicates the number of nations who play the sport at worldwide level.
Cricket in Asia
Cricket in Asia is the game’s beating heart. Massive fan bases exist in countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Afghanistan’s ascendance has been among the most prominent success stories in contemporary cricket.
Other Asian countries like Nepal, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand are also on a fast track.
Cricket in Europe
In terms of the number of cricket-playing nations, Europe is in first with more than any other continent. There are good standards of the sport in the region and apart from England, there are cricketing countries like Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland and Germany.
Eastern European countries are also gradually taking up the game.
Cricket in Africa
The history of cricket in Africa is longstanding. South Africa and Zimbabwe are Full Members, while Namibia, Kenyan Uganda and Nigeria are robust Associate sides.
Cricket is expanding through ICC development programmes across the continent.
Cricket in the Americas
The game of cricket in the Americas is growing steadily. West Indies are a Full Member team representing several Caribbean nations. Cricket is on the rise in the USA and Canada, with rapidly expanding leagues and fanbases.
Cricket in Oceania
Cricket Australia is the governing body of cricket in Australia and New Zealand Cricket[1] are the governing body in New Zealand it has over 100,000 cricketers from all age groups playing for 6,300 teams in stadia all around Oceania! Smaller countries such as Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji also compete in international cricket and offer much potential growth.
Cricket in the Middle East
The Middle East is now a significant cricket centre. Among the popular places to play international matches and tournaments are the UAE, Oman and Qatar. There are a number of Associate countries there.
Why Is Cricket So Popular in So Many Countries?
Some of the reasons cricket is played in 100 countries include:
- British colonial influence
- Simple equipment requirements
- Global ICC tournaments
- Shorter formats like T20
- Television and digital streaming
- Grassroots development programs
Effect of T20 cricket on the world-wide reach
The game has been revolutionized by T20 cricket. Its fast pace appeals to virgin audiences and territories.
A lot of teams began their cricketing journey playing T20 before making a transition to the longer version of the game.
Nations Where Cricket is Gaining in Popularity
Fast cricket development of the following countries:
- USA – Pro leagues and good infrastructure
- Nepal – Fanatical fans and youthful talent
- Namibia – Consistent international performances
- Germany – Prevalence of cricket culture thanks to immigrants.
- Scotland – Most runs in ICC events
Cricket and the Olympics
Cricket is back to the Olympics in 2028 (Los Angeles) in T20 form. This inclusion should open the pipeline for more countries to take cricket seriously and invest in development.”
Difference Between Full and Associate Members
| Aspect | Full Members | Associate Members |
| Test Cricket | Yes | No |
| ICC Funding | High | Limited |
| Match Frequency | Regular | Conditional |
| Development Level | Advanced | Growing |
It is a structure which aids the ICC in handling international cricket well.
Is Cricket Played in All Countries?
No, cricket is NOT an official sport in every country. A few schools and some countries emphasize football, basketball or track. But it is also played in unofficial form in many non-member countries.
Future of Global Cricket
The future of cricket appears to be in very good hands. The Future The number of cricket playing nations is poised to increase, especially with the ICC’s expansion plans which include Olympic status and digital broadcasting.
The number of countries playing cricket may be more than 120 in several years from now.
Interesting Facts About World Cricket
- Cricket is watched by at least 2.5 billion people
- And the world’s second most popular sport
- T20 is the fastest-growing format
- T20 Internationals are contested by more than 70 countries
Conclusion
So how many countries play cricket on a formal level in the world today?
There are actually 108 countries – as decreed by the ICC at 2025.
The transformation of the small English sport into a global phenomenon that we known as cricket today is indeed fascinating. Cricket transcends borders, bringing nations together as more players take part in innovative formats of the game with increasing international focus.
FAQs About Countries Play Cricket
1. How many countries officially play cricket?
Presently, 108 nations play cricket officially recognised by the ICC.
2. What are the number of Full Member countries in cricket?
Test cricket is played between 12 Full Members and although it has found a new home in places like Scotland, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, its geographical constituency is limited.
3. What country gave the world cricket?
Cricket originated in England.
4. Is cricket a part of the Olympics?
Cricket will be back in the Olympics — in T20 format at least, from 2028.
5. Are more countries going to play cricket in future?
Cricket is growing rapidly; there will be more countries coming in during the next few years.
