SL NO. CONTENT PAGE NO.

1. Introduction 1-2

2. History Of Cricket 3-4

3. Different forms of cricket 5

4. Test Cricket 6

5. ODI Cricket 7

6. T20 Cricket 8

7. ICC 9-11

8. Laws Of Cricket 12-16

9. History of Cricket in India 17-18

10. BCCI 19

11. Conclusion 20
Introduction to cricket
Cricket, England’s national summer sport, which is
now played throughout the world, particularly in
Australia, India, Pakistan, the West Indies, and the
British Isles. Cricket is played with a bat and ball and
involves two competing sides (teams) of 11 players.
The field is oval with a rectangular area in the middle,
known as the pitch that is 22 yards (20.12 metres) by
10 feet (3.04 metres) wide. Two sets of three sticks,
called wickets, are set in the ground at each end of
the pitch. Across the top of each wicket lie horizontal
pieces called bails. The sides take turns
at batting and bowling (pitching); each turn is called
an “innings” (always plural). Sides have one or two
innings each, depending on the
prearranged duration of the match, the object being
to score the most runs. The bowlers, delivering the
ball with a straight arm, try to break (hit) the wicket
with the ball so that the bails fall. This is one of
several ways the batsman is dismissed, or put out. A
bowler delivers six balls at one wicket (thus
completing an “over”), then a different player from his
side bowls six balls to the opposite wicket. The
batting side defends its wicket.
There are two batsman up at a time, and the batsman
being bowled to (the striker) tries to hit the ball away
from the wicket. A hit may be defensive or offensive. A
defensive hit may protect the wicket but leave the
batsmen no time to run to the opposite wicket. In that
case the batsmen need not run, and play will resume
with another bowl. If the batsman can make an
offensive hit then the second batsman (the nonstriker)

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Cricket Ground
at the other wicket changes places. Each time both
batsmen can reach the opposite wicket, one run is
scored. Providing they have enough time without
being caught out and dismissed, the batsmen may
continue to cross back and forth between the wickets,
earning an additional run each time both reach the
opposite side. There is an outside boundary around
the cricket field. A ball hit to or beyond the boundary
scores four points if it hits the ground and then
reaches the boundary, and six points if it reaches the
boundary from the air (a fly ball). The team with the
highest number of runs wins a match. Should both
teams be unable to complete their number of innings
before the time allotted, the match is declared a draw.
Scores in the hundreds are common in cricket.

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Origin Of Cricket
Cricket, often considered a gentleman's game, has a
long and fascinating history that dates back
centuries. Let me take you on a journey through time
to explore the origins of this beloved sport. The
origins of cricket can be traced back to the medieval
era, where its predecessor, a game called "club-ball,"
was played in England. This early form of cricket
involved hitting a ball with a club-shaped bat and was
enjoyed by both adults and children. As time passed,
the game evolved, incorporating various elements that
laid the foundation for modern-day cricket. In the
16th century, references to cricket started appearing
in historical records, indicating its growing
popularity. The game gained significant traction
during the 17th century when it became a favorite
pastime among the British aristocracy. It was during
this time that cricket began to acquire its distinct
characteristics and rules. One of the earliest known
cricket matches took place in 1697 between teams
from the villages of Kent and Surrey in southeastern
England. This match is considered a pivotal moment
in cricket's development as it featured the use of a bat
designed specifically for the game, marking a
departure from the earlier club-ball tradition.
During the 18th century, gentlemen's clubs began to
form, and matches were organized between teams
representing different regions. The first recorded
inter-county match happened in 1709 between Kent
and Surrey, setting the stage for future rivalries. In
1744, the Laws of Cricket were formalized by the
players of the Hambledon Club, a renowned cricket

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First international match played England vs Australia
club located in Hampshire, England. These laws
established the rules and regulations that govern the
game to this day. The Hambledon Club played a
significant role in shaping the sport, as it became a
focal point for cricket enthusiasts and a breeding
ground for talented players. In the 19th century,
cricket's popularity expanded beyond England's
borders. British colonizers introduced the sport to
their colonies, including India, Australia, and the
West Indies. These countries embraced cricket,
incorporating their unique styles and adding to the
rich tapestry of the game's history.
International cricket matches emerged in the mid-
19th century, with the first-ever Test match taking
place in 1877 between England and Australia. This
marked the beginning of a new era for cricket, as
nations competed against each other to showcase
their skills on a global stage. Cricket continued to
evolve throughout the 20th century, witnessing the
birth of limited-overs cricket, which introduced a
faster and more spectator-friendly format. The 1970s
saw the emergence of One Day Internationals (ODIs),
and later Twenty20 (T20) format, which revolutionized
the game and attracted a new generation of fans.
Today, cricket is played and cherished worldwide. It
has become a symbol of camaraderie, sportsmanship,
and fair play. The sport's rich history, rooted in
medieval traditions and shaped by the efforts of
countless players and enthusiasts over the centuries,
has made it a global phenomenon that unites people
from diverse cultures and backgrounds

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TEST ODI T20
Cricket has evolved over time to include different
forms of the game, each offering a unique and
exciting experience for players and fans alike. First,
we have Test cricket, the oldest and most traditional
format. Test matches are played over five days, with
each team having two innings to bat and bowl. It is
considered the ultimate test of skill, endurance, and
strategy. One Day Internationals (ODIs) introduced a
shorter and more dynamic format. In ODIs, teams
have 50 overs (each consisting of six deliveries) to
score as many runs as possible. These matches
provide a blend of strategy and aggressive play, often
resulting in high-scoring contests. The advent of
Twenty20 (T20) cricket revolutionized the game. T20
matches are played over a span of approximately
three hours, with each team getting 20 overs to bat
and bowl. This format emphasizes power-hitting,
quick scoring, and thrilling entertainment.
Additionally, there are various domestic T20 leagues
around the world, such as the Indian Premier League
(IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL), which have
gained immense popularity and attract top
international players. These different forms of cricket
cater to diverse preferences, ensuring that there is
something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the
strategic battles of Test cricket, the intensity of ODIs,
or the explosive action of T20s, cricket offers a range
of exhilarating experiences to enjoy.

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TEST CRICKET
Test cricket is the longest format of the sport,
regarded as the pinnacle of international cricket. It is
played over five days, with each team batting and
bowling twice. Test matches are characterized by their
traditional white clothing and red cricket ball. The
format demands exceptional skills, endurance, and
strategic prowess from players.
Test cricket has a rich history dating back to the mid-
19th century, with England and Australia playing the
first official Test match in 1877. It is a test of a
player's technique, mental resilience, and ability to
adapt to varying pitch and weather conditions.
The game has evolved over the years, introducing
day-night Tests and the World Test Championship to
enhance its appeal. It remains an integral part of
cricketing culture, with iconic rivalries like the Ashes
(England vs. Australia) and historical moments
etched in its annals. Test cricket celebrates the
essence of the sport, offering a profound examination
of a player's cricketing abilities.
Test cricket, often lasting up to 30-35 hours of play,
is a true test of a player's patience and concentration.
It places a premium on technique and the ability to
bat or bowl for extended periods. The format holds a
special place in the hearts of cricket purists and
continues to be a source of great pride for cricketing
nations. It's an arena where legends are made and
where the spirit of the game shines brightest.

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ODI CRICKET
One Day International (ODI) cricket is a limited-overs
format of the sport that bridges the gap between
traditional Test cricket and fast-paced T20 cricket. In
an ODI match, each team is allowed to bat and bowl
for a maximum of 50 overs, making it a more
condensed and spectator-friendly version of the game.
ODI cricket originated in the early 1970s and gained
popularity quickly. The first official ODI took place in
1971 when England faced Australia. Over the years,
the format has seen numerous innovations, such as
coloured clothing, white cricket balls, and fielding
restrictions, which have made it more exciting and
accessible to a wider audience.
The ODI World Cup, first held in 1975, is one of the
most prestigious events in cricket, showcasing the
skills of international teams over several weeks.
Memorable moments like India's 1983 World Cup
victory and the heroics of players like Sachin
Tendulkar, Sir Vivian Richards, and Wasim Akram
have made ODI cricket an integral part of the sport's
history.
ODI cricket emphasizes a balance between batting
and bowling, with teams aiming to set challenging
targets or chase them down. The format's time
constraints lead to intense, high-scoring contests,
fostering strategies like power-hitting, spin bowling,
and fielding excellence.
The ODI World Cup is held every four years, were 10
teams compete to lift the world cup.

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T20 Cricket
Twenty20 cricket, often abbreviated as T20, is a short
and fast-paced format of the sport that has
revolutionized the game of cricket. It was first
introduced in 2003 in England, and since then, it has
gained immense popularity worldwide.
In T20 cricket, each team is allowed to bat for a
maximum of 20 overs, resulting in a more concise
and action-packed game. The limited number of overs
places a premium on aggressive and innovative
batting, and it often leads to high-scoring matches.
Bowlers also need to adapt to the format, focusing on
variations and containment to succeed.
The T20 format has brought a new level of excitement
and entertainment to cricket. It is known for thrilling
finishes, big hits, and a faster pace of play. As a
result, it has attracted a wider and more audience.
T20 cricket has also led to the creation of domestic
T20 leagues around the world, such as the Indian
Premier League (IPL), the Big Bash League (BBL), and
the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). These leagues
have become immensely popular and have
transformed the way the sport is played and
consumed.
Players in T20 cricket are often valued for their ability
to adapt to the dynamic demands of the format.
Batsmen aim to score quickly, while bowlers strive to
take wickets and control the run rate. Fielding, too,
plays a crucial role, with agile and athletic fielders
making a significant impact.

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ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global
governing body for the sport of cricket. It was founded
in 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference and later
became the ICC in 1965. The ICC is responsible for
overseeing and regulating international cricket,
ensuring fair play, promoting the growth of the sport,
and organizing major international tournaments.
The ICC is governed by a Board comprising
representatives from its Full Member countries and
Associate Member countries. Full Member countries
included India, England, Australia, Pakistan, South
Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The Associate Member
countries consist of various cricket-playing nations
around the world.
The ICC's origins can be traced back to the Imperial
Cricket Conference, established in 1909 with
England, Australia, and South Africa as its founding
members. The primary purpose of this organization
was to address issues related to international cricket
between these nations. Over the years, the
organization evolved and expanded to include more
member countries. In 1965, the Imperial Cricket
Conference officially became the International Cricket
Conference (ICC). Subsequently, the organization's
name was changed to the International Cricket
Council in 1989.

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ICC Functions
Functions of the ICC:
1. Regulation and Governance: The ICC establishes
and enforces the rules and regulations of the game.
This includes the playing conditions, equipment
standards, and code of conduct for players and
officials.
2. Organizing Tournaments: The ICC organizes and
administers major international cricket tournaments,
including the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC T20 World
Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and various regional
and bilateral series.
3. Promotion of Cricket: The ICC plays a pivotal role
in promoting cricket globally. It works to increase the
popularity of the sport in both traditional cricketing
nations and in newer markets. This involves
development programs, coaching initiatives, and
grassroots efforts to grow the game.
4. Member Relations: The ICC serves as a platform
for its member countries to discuss and resolve
cricket-related issues. It maintains a harmonious
relationship between its member boards and
facilitates international tours and series.
5. Commercial Rights: The ICC manages the
commercial aspects of international cricket, including
broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and revenue
distribution among member boards. This helps
sustain the financial health of the sport.
6. Anti-Corruption and Integrity: The ICC is
committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport
and has an Anti-Corruption Unit that educates

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players and officials about anti-corruption measures,
investigate corruption-related matters, and ensure
the sport remains free from corrupt practices.
7. Development and Growth: The ICC focuses on
developing cricket in emerging markets and providing
support to associate and affiliate member countries to
elevate their standard of play.
8. Umpire Appointments: The ICC is responsible for
appointing match officials, including on-field umpires
and match referees, for international matches. This
ensures that qualified and impartial officials oversee
games.
9. Rankings and Statistics: The ICC maintains
player and team rankings across various formats of
the game, providing an objective measure of
performance. It also keeps detailed statistics on
player and team achievements.
10. Women's Cricket: The ICC has been actively
promoting and developing women's cricket, aiming to
enhance opportunities, visibility, and participation for
female cricketers. This includes organizing major
women's tournaments.
11. Promotion of Multilateral Series: The ICC
encourages and facilitates international bilateral and
multilateral series between member countries,
providing a platform for teams to compete on a global
stage.

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CRICKET GROUND

PITCH
THE GROUND
A cricket field is a large grassy ground on which the
game of cricket is played. Although generally oval in
shape, there is a wide variety within this - some are
almost perfect circles, some elongated ovals - but they
will have entirely curved boundaries, almost without
exception. There are no fixed dimensions for the field
but its diameter usually varies between 137 m to 150
m. On most grounds, a rope demarcates the perimeter
of the field and is known as the boundary. The size of
the field on which the game is played varies from
ground to ground but the pitch always stays the same.

THE PITCH
The pitch is a rectangular area of 20.12 m in length
and 3.05 m in width. The popping (batting) crease is
marked 1.22 m in front of the stumps at either end,
with the stumps set along the bowling crease. The
return creases are marked at right angles to the
popping and bowling creases and are measured 1.32
m on either side of the middle stumps.
The two sets of wickets at opposite ends of the pitch
stand 71.1 cm high and three stumps measure 22.86
cm wide in total. The cricket pitch is a crucial element
of the game, as it serves as the central playing surface.
The condition of the pitch plays a significant role in the
game. A pitch can be grassy, dry, dusty, or have
cracks, and these characteristics can affect the
behaviour of the ball. For instance, a grassy pitch may

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CRICKET OUTFIELD AND BOUNDARY

STUMPS AND BAILS

assist fast bowlers with swing and seam movement,
while a dry, dusty pitch may favour spin bowlers.
Preparing a cricket pitch is a specialized process. It
involves rolling and leveling the pitch area, and
depending on the desired characteristics

THE OUTFIELD
The area surrounding the pitch is called the outfield. It
is typically covered with well-maintained grass and
plays a significant role in the game, particularly in
limited-overs cricket. The outfield is where fielders
chase the ball and try to prevent runs.

THE BOUNDARY
Cricket grounds have a set of boundary markers,
usually a rope or painted lines, to indicate the limits of
the playing area. The distance of the boundary from
the pitch can vary, and it affects the difficulty of hitting
a boundary (a four or a six). Smaller grounds may have
shorter boundaries, making it easier for batter’s to
score runs.

THE STUMPS AND BAILS

Stumps are three vertical wooden posts, each
measuring 28 inches (71.12 cm) in height with
maximum and minimum diameters of 1½ inches (3.81
cm) and 1⅜ inches (3.49 cm). The overall width of each
wicket is 9 inches (22.9 cm). They are usually made
from high-quality, durable wood like ash. The stumps

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CRICKET BALL
are placed in the ground at both ends of the pitch, with
the middle stump aligned with the middle of the crease.
Bails are the smaller, cross-shaped wooden pieces that
sit on top of the stumps. They are used to determine if
a bowler has successfully dismissed a batsman. Bails
are made from the same type of wood as the stumps,
ensuring that they are lightweight yet sturdy. Each bail
measures around 4.31 inches (10.95 cm) in length.
Both stumps and bails are designed to withstand the
impact of the ball while remaining firmly in place. They
play a significant role in defining the boundaries and
limits of the game. In recent years, efforts have been
made to introduce LED bails for enhanced visibility,
especially in low-light conditions or for televised
matches. Each bail shall have the following
specifications:
o Overall Length – 10.95 cm or 2.87 inches
o Length of Barrel – 5.40 cm or 2.62 inches
o Longer Spigot – 3.49 cm or 1.625 inches
o Shorter Spigot – 2.06 cm or 0.812 inches

THE BALL
A cricket ball is made with a core of cork, which is
layered with tightly wound string, and covered by a
leather case with a slightly raised sewn seam. In a top-
quality ball suitable for the highest levels of
competition, the covering is constructed of four pieces
of leather shaped similar to the peel of a quartered
orange, but one hemisphere is rotated by 90 degrees
with respect to the other. The "equator" of the ball is
stitched with string to form the ball's prominent seam,

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BALL

BAT
 with six rows of stitches. On international-level balls
manufactured by Dukes, and SG, the two halves are
hand stitched together using three seams on each half.
On the ball made by Kookaburra only the inner two
seams are used to hold the two halves together. The
outer four seams are produced by machine and their
only purpose is to provide additional grip for the
bowlers fingers. The remaining two joins between the
leather pieces are stitched internally forming
the quarter seam. Lower-quality balls with a two-piece
covering are also popular for practice and lower-level
competition due to their lower cost.

Cricket Ball Specifications

Weight Circumference
Men and boys 13 and 5.5 to 5.75 oz 8.81 to 9 in
over (156 to 163 g) (224 to 229 mm)
Women and boys 13 4.94 to 5.31 oz 8.25 to 8.8 in
and over (140 to 151 g) (210 to 226 mm)
4.69 to 5.06 oz 8.06 to 8.69 in
Children under 13
(133 to 143 g) (205 to 221 mm)

THE BAT
Law 3 of the Laws of Cricket state that the length of the bat
may be no more than 38 in, the width no more than 4.25 in,
the overall depth no more than 2.64 in and an edge no more
than 1.56 in. Bats typically weigh from 1.2 to 1.4 kg though
there is no standard. Bats are available in a range of sizes,
with some manufacturers offering unique variations. The
blade of a cricket bat is a wooden block that is generally that

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CRICKET BAT
the striking face and with a ridge on the reverse (back) which
concentrates wood in the middle where de ball is generally
hit.
The bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically
from a variety of White Willow called Cricket Bat Willow,
treated with raw (unboiled) linseed oil, which has a protective
function. The blade is connected to a long cylindrical can
handle, by means of splice. The handle is usually covered with
a rubber grip, Bats incorporate a wooden spring design
where the handle meets the blade. The current design of a
cane handle spliced into willow blade through a tapered
splice was the invention in the 1880s of Charles Richardson,
a pupil of Brunel and the first Chief Engineer of the
Severn Railway Tunnel.

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FIRST TEST MATCH
Cricket in India was introduced by Britishers in 1700
and the first match was played in 1721. In 1848 the
Parsi community in Bombay formed the Oriental
Cricket Club-the first cricket club established by
Indians. In the early 1900s some Indian went on to
play for the England cricket team, namely Ranjitsinhji
and Duleepsinhji, later their name was used for Ranji
Trophy and Duleep Trophy and this started the history
of Cricket in India. In 1911 India team went on the first
official tour of the British Isles but only played with
English country teams and not with the England
cricket team.
First Test Match – 1932
India was invited to the imperial cricket Council in
1926 and Indian team made their debut as a test
playing nation in England in 1932, led by CK Naidu.
The one-off test match between England and India was
played at Lord’s ground in London. India lost the
match by 158 runs.
In 1933 India hosted its first test series. The team’s
first series as an Independent country was in late
1947, which was against Australia. India recorded
their first test victory in the 24th match against
England in Madras in 1952. Later, In the same year
they won their first test series which was against
Pakistan. India won their first test series against
England at home in 1961-62 and won a home series
against New Zealand. India also won its first series
outside the subcontinent against New Zealand in
1967- 68

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India Lift The World Cup in 2011
During the 1980s India developed a more attack
minded batting line-up with stroke makers such as
Mohammad Azharuddin, Dilip Vengsarkar and all-
rounder Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri. In 1983 India won
its first World Cup defeating West Indies in the final at
Lord’s and this win changed the History of cricket in
india.
In 1984 India won the Asia Cup and in 1985 won the
World Championship of Cricket in Australia. 1980s
saw Gavaskar and Kapil Dev at the pinnacle of their
career. Gavaskar made a test record 34 centuries, he
became the first man to reach the 10,000 run mark.
Kapil Dev became the highest wicket taker in test
cricket with 434 wicket
After being eliminated by Sri Lanka in the World Cup
semi-final in 1996, the team underwent a lot of
changes as Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid became
the team captain. By the beginning of 1998 Tendulkar
was the world leading run scorer in both Test and ODI
and India enjoyed a home test series win over
Australia. After failing to reach the semifinals in the
1999 World Cup, India suffered a poor loss of 3–0 on a
tour of Australia and then 2–0 at home to South Africa.
This period was described as the Indian Cricket Worst
Hour.
After that India won the T20 World Cup in 2007, the
ODI World Cup in 2011 and 2013 ICC champions
trophy and MS Dhoni became the first captain in
history of Cricket in India to win the three major ICC
trophies.

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BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the
governing body for cricket in India and one of the most
influential cricket boards globally. Established in
1928, the BCCI's primary role is to organize and
promote the sport of cricket in India.
BCCI has undergone significant changes over the
years. In 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was
launched, becoming one of the most popular and
lucrative T20 leagues in the world. This catapulted
BCCI's financial strength and global prominence. The
BCCI is known for its financial prowess, largely due to
lucrative media rights deals and sponsorships, making
it one of the wealthiest cricket boards.
In 2008, Lalit Modi played a pivotal role in IPL's
success as its inaugural chairman, although he was
later banned from cricket administration. Moreover,
the BCCI has been influential in the International
Cricket Council (ICC) due to India's financial clout and
its contributions to the global game.
Over the years, the BCCI has faced controversies,
administrative challenges, and legal battles, but it
remains a powerhouse in world cricket, shaping the
sport's future and having a profound impact on the
Indian cricket ecosystem. Today BCCI is the richest
cricket board. Its headquarters is situated at the
Cricket Centre in Churchgate, Mumbai.
Current BCCI President is Roger Binny and Secretary
is Jay Shah.

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Cricket is not just a game it’s an emotion
In conclusion, cricket is a captivating sport that has
captured the hearts of millions around the world.
Throughout this project, we have explored various
aspects of the game, from its rich history to the rules.
Cricket is not just a game; it is a symbol of teamwork,
strategy, and resilience. It teaches us valuable life
lessons such as sportsmanship, patience, and the
importance of perseverance. Whether you're a player or
a fan, cricket has a way of bringing people together,
fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
As we delved into the intricacies of cricket, we
witnessed how it has evolved over time, adapting to
changing times and catering to a global audience.
From the traditional Test matches to the fast-paced
excitement of limited-overs formats like One Day
Internationals and Twenty20, cricket offers something
for everyone.
In essence, cricket is more than just a sport; it is a
celebration of skill, passion, and dedication. It brings
people from different cultures and backgrounds
together, fostering a sense of unity and friendly
competition. So whether you're playing on the field or
cheering from the stands, cricket is an experience that
transcends boundaries and creates lifelong memories.
So, let's continue to enjoy the game, appreciate its rich
history, and support our favorite teams and players.
The world of cricket is vast and ever-evolving, and
there's always something new to discover and
celebrate.

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