Cricket
Rules, records, shots, bowling, and player guides — the heart of SportsMonkie.
Why Cricket Is Not in the Olympics: The Full Story
Cricket has never been a permanent Olympic sport because of governance disputes, scheduling conflicts with the international cricket calendar, and ICC reluctance to cede control to the IOC.
CricketHow to Bowl Faster in Cricket: Tips to Gain Real Pace
Bowling faster in cricket comes from improving your run-up momentum, loading the body efficiently, and releasing the ball with a full, high arm action. Strength, flexibility, and repeatable technique all compound to add genuine pace.
CricketBest Spin Bowlers in Current Cricket: Top Active Spinners
The best active spin bowlers in cricket right now — ranked by impact across Test, ODI, and T20 formats, with a look at what makes each one exceptional.
CricketHow to Bowl Reverse Swing in Cricket: Technique Explained
Reverse swing happens when an old, scuffed ball swings in the opposite direction to conventional swing. It requires the shiny side facing the direction you want the ball to swing, with a slightly angled seam and high-speed delivery.
CricketMost Followed Cricketers on Instagram in 2023
Virat Kohli is the most followed cricketer on Instagram by a large margin, with several other Indian players and global stars also commanding huge followings.
CricketHow to Play the Periscope Shot in Cricket
The periscope shot is a vertical bat stroke played against short-pitched deliveries aimed at the body, where the batter holds the bat upright to deflect the ball over or around the fielders on the leg side.
CricketMost Popular Cricketers in the World: All-Time Fan Favourites
Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are among the most popular cricketers ever, with Imran Khan, MS Dhoni, and Brian Lara also commanding enormous global followings.
CricketBest Women Cricketers of All Time: Legends of the Game
The greatest women cricketers in history — from Belinda Clark and Charlotte Edwards to Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana — and what made each one exceptional.
CricketImam-ul-Haq Biography: Pakistan's Left-Handed Opener
Imam-ul-Haq is a Pakistani left-handed opening batter known for his consistent performances in ODIs. He made his international debut in 2017 and has established himself as one of Pakistan's most reliable white-ball openers.
CricketHow to Bowl a Teesra in Cricket: Grip and Action
The teesra is an off-spinner's mystery delivery that goes straight on instead of turning. Bowled with a pronated wrist and altered finger position, it deceives batters expecting turn from the pitch.
CricketHow to Play a Straight Drive in Cricket: Technique and Timing
The straight drive is cricket's most classical front-foot shot — played to a full delivery on or just outside off stump and hit back past the bowler. Learn the correct stance, grip, and follow-through.
CricketMost Handsome Cricket Players: Fan Favourites by Look
A look at the cricket players widely celebrated for their looks and style, from Imran Khan's era to today's generation of well-groomed international stars.
CricketMost Double Centuries in Test Cricket: Top 20 Scorers of All Time
Don Bradman leads all batters with the most double centuries in Test cricket history. This article covers the top scorers, the feats that define Test batting greatness, and what it takes to reach 200.
CricketHow to Play a Perfect Square Cut in Cricket: Step-by-Step
The square cut is played to a short, wide delivery outside off stump. Learn the correct grip, back-foot movement, and bat swing to send the ball racing through point.
CricketRichest Cricketers in the World: Who Tops the List?
The wealthiest cricketers in the world have built fortunes through contracts, IPL deals, brand endorsements, and business ventures well beyond their playing careers.
CricketBiggest Sixes in Cricket History: Longest Hits Ever Recorded
A look at some of the biggest sixes ever hit in cricket — the longest measured hits, the batters known for their extraordinary power, and what makes a truly remarkable six.
CricketMost Popular Cricket Tournaments in the World
The IPL is the most popular cricket tournament globally by viewership and commercial value. The ICC Cricket World Cup, Big Bash, PSL, and Test series also command massive audiences worldwide.
CricketLongest Six in Cricket History: The Biggest Hits Ever Recorded
Several sixes in cricket history have been measured at over 110 metres, with Shahid Afridi, Brett Lee, and a handful of power-hitters credited with some of the longest hits ever officially tracked.
CricketCricketers Who Died During Matches: Tragic Stories
A small number of cricketers have died as a result of injuries sustained during live matches. This article recounts those tragedies and what changed in cricket safety because of them.
CricketBest Finishers in Cricket History: Who Seals Games Under Pressure
The best finishers in cricket are batters who excel in the death overs and pressure chases. Players like MS Dhoni, Michael Bevan, and AB de Villiers are widely regarded as the finest.
CricketGreatest All-Rounders in Cricket History: The Complete List
The greatest all-rounders in cricket history could win matches with both bat and ball. Here are the players who defined the role across all eras.
CricketHow to Bowl an Off Cutter in Cricket: Grip & Technique
An off cutter is a seam delivery that cuts from off to leg after pitching, moving into the right-handed batter. Grip the ball across the seam and drag your middle finger down the left side at release to generate the cutting action.
CricketHow to Play a Pull Shot in Cricket: Grip, Stance, and Timing
The pull shot is a back-foot attacking stroke played to short-pitched deliveries at waist to chest height, hit in front of or square of the wicket on the leg side. Here is how to play it correctly.
CricketMost Loved Cricketers of All Time: Fan Favourites
The most loved cricketers in history are those who combined brilliance with character — players like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Brian Lara who inspired generations of fans.
CricketRichest Indian Cricket Player: Who Leads in Wealth?
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the richest Indian cricketer, followed closely by MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli — each building fortunes through cricket, IPL deals, and brand endorsements.
CricketHighest Wicket Takers in ODI Cricket: All-Time Records
Muttiah Muralitharan leads the all-time ODI wicket-takers list with over 500 wickets. Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Chaminda Vaas are among the other bowlers in the top bracket.
CricketHow to Play the Dilscoop in Cricket: Step-by-Step Technique
The Dilscoop scoops a full pace delivery over the wicketkeeper's head for six. Learn the exact footwork, bat angle, and timing that makes this audacious shot work.
CricketLongest Sixes in Cricket: Biggest Hits Across All Formats
A look at the biggest sixes hit across Test, ODI, and T20 cricket — the power-hitters, the venues, and what makes an extraordinary six stand out from the rest.
CricketMost Test Wins as Captain in Cricket: The All-Time Leaders
Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith, and Steve Waugh are among the most successful captains in Test cricket history. This guide examines the all-time leaders in Test match wins as captain.
CricketHow Much Do Professional Cricketers Make in 2023?
Professional cricketer salaries range from a few thousand dollars a year for domestic players to several million for elite internationals. Earnings vary widely by format, contract tier, and country.
CricketBest Cricket Coaches of All Time: Legends Who Shaped the Game
The best cricket coaches have transformed national teams and shaped all-time greats. Here are the coaches widely regarded as the most influential in the sport's history.
CricketBest Spin Bowlers in Cricket History: All-Time Greats
A look at the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history — the leg-spinners, off-spinners, and left-arm orthodox bowlers who redefined the art of spin.
CricketGreatest Test Innings Ever Played: Iconic Batting Performances
The greatest individual Test innings in cricket history — innings defined not just by runs scored but by context, conditions, and the stakes involved.
CricketHow to Bowl the Doosra: Grip, Action, and Technique
The doosra is an off-spinner's secret weapon — a ball that turns away from a right-handed batter instead of into them. Here's how to bowl it correctly and safely.
CricketHow to Play the Leg Glance Shot in Cricket
The leg glance redirects a ball angled into the body towards fine leg with a subtle deflection of the bat. It is one of the most elegant and effective scoring shots in a batter's arsenal.
CricketTallest Cricketers of All Time: Giants of the Game
Cricket has produced some towering athletes. This article profiles the tallest cricketers in history, explaining how height shapes bowling and batting at the highest level.
CricketBrian Lara Net Worth: Career Earnings & Financial Legacy
Brian Lara is widely regarded as one of cricket's wealthiest retired players, with estimated wealth built from international cricket fees, endorsements, broadcasting, and business ventures.
CricketCurrent Fastest Bowlers in Cricket: The World's Quickest Right Now
A look at the fastest active pace bowlers in international cricket today, the speeds they generate, and what makes them so dangerous.
CricketHighest Batting Average in ODI Cricket: Top Contributors
Batting average in ODIs measures runs per dismissal. A handful of elite batters — including Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers — have sustained averages well above 50 across long careers.
CricketMost Dangerous Hard Hitters in Cricket: Power Batters Ranked
From Viv Richards and Shahid Afridi to Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone, these are cricket's most dangerous hard hitters — batters who can change a match in one over.
CricketHow to Play a Sweep Shot in Cricket: Complete Technique Guide
The sweep shot is a front-foot attacking stroke played to full-length spin bowling, hitting the ball to the leg side with a horizontal bat. Learn the correct kneeling position, grip, and placement options.
CricketMost Sixes in T20I Cricket: All-Time Records and Top Hitters
Rohit Sharma and Martin Guptill are among the all-time leaders for most sixes in T20 Internationals. This guide covers the biggest hitters, key records, and what defines T20I six-hitting.
CricketSmallest Cricket Stadium in the World: Capacity and Facts
The smallest cricket stadiums in the world are intimate grounds in the Caribbean, UK, and Associate nations — venues with capacities of just a few thousand spectators that host first-class or international cricket.
CricketBiggest Cricket Stadiums in the World: Top 10 by Capacity
A ranked list of the world's biggest cricket stadiums by seating capacity, from the Narendra Modi Stadium in India to the MCG in Australia and Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
CricketHow to Play the Marillier Shot: The Slog Over Deep Fine Leg
The Marillier shot is a high-risk, high-reward slog played to full or short-of-a-length pace deliveries, swatting the ball over fine leg or deep square leg for six.
CricketIs PSL Bigger Than IPL? Comparing Pakistan and India's T20 Leagues
The IPL is considerably larger than the PSL in terms of global viewership, revenue, and player salaries, though the Pakistan Super League has grown rapidly since its 2016 launch.
CricketMost Successful Cricket Teams in History: The All-Time Rankings
The most successful cricket teams ever — ranked by Test dominance, World Cup wins, and sustained periods of excellence across formats.
CricketGood vs Bad Batting Average in Cricket and Baseball Explained
Batting average means very different things in cricket and baseball. This guide explains what a good, average, and poor batting average looks like in each sport and why the scales differ so dramatically.
CricketBest Cricket Umpires of All Time: The Greatest in the Middle
The best cricket umpires combined exceptional judgement, calm authority, and consistency across decades. Here are the umpires most respected in cricket history.
CricketBiggest Match Fixing Scandals in Cricket History
An overview of cricket's most significant match-fixing scandals, from the Hansie Cronje affair to the 2000s spot-fixing cases, and what they meant for the sport.
CricketHow to Play the Reverse Scoop in Cricket: Full Technique Guide
The reverse scoop scoops the ball over the wicketkeeper or third man by reversing the bat. Learn the footwork, grip, and when this T20 shot is worth the risk.
CricketHighest Paid Cricketers in the World: Who Earns the Most?
The highest-paid cricketers combine BCCI or board contracts, IPL and other T20 league deals, and brand endorsements — with Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma consistently at the top.
CricketShoaib Akhtar's Wife: Rubab Khan and His Personal Life
Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan's legendary fast bowler, married Rubab Khan in 2014. The couple has two sons and Akhtar has spoken publicly about the importance of family after his cricket career.
CricketGreatest Test Matches Ever Played: Cricket's Most Memorable Games
The greatest Test matches in cricket history — games remembered for their drama, reversals of fortune, and the way they redefined what was thought possible in five-day cricket.
CricketHow to Play a Hook Shot in Cricket: Technique and Timing
The hook shot punishes short-pitched deliveries by hitting them fine behind square on the leg side. Learn the correct grip, footwork, and head position to play it safely and powerfully.
CricketCricket vs Football: Key Differences and Similarities
Cricket and football (soccer) are the world's two most-followed sports. They differ fundamentally in rules, playing area, team size, and duration — but share deep roots in British sporting culture.
CricketFastest Bowlers in Cricket History: The All-Time Quickest
From Shoaib Akhtar to Brett Lee and Jeff Thomson, these are the fastest bowlers cricket has ever seen and what made them so feared.
CricketHow to Bowl a Leg Cutter in Cricket: Grip & Technique
A leg cutter is a fast bowler's delivery that cuts off the seam from leg to off. Grip the ball with fingers angled across the seam, then drag your index finger down and across at release to generate deviation.
CricketHow to Play the Ramp Shot in Cricket: Technique Guide
The ramp shot deflects a full or back-of-a-length delivery over the wicketkeeper's head towards fine leg or third man. Mastering the wrist angle and head position makes it a devastating T20 weapon.
CricketThe Fastest Century in ODI Cricket: Record-Breaking Tons
The fastest centuries in ODI cricket have been scored in under 35 balls. This article covers the record holders, the context, and what makes an ultra-fast hundred possible.
CricketBest Cricket Bats: What to Look for and Top Brands
The best cricket bat depends on your playing level, preferred weight, and budget. This guide covers the key specs and the brands consistently rated highest by players.
CricketBiggest Cricket Stadium in the World: Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, is the largest cricket stadium in the world by seating capacity, holding well over 100,000 spectators.
CricketHow to Play a Reverse Sweep in Cricket: Technique Guide
The reverse sweep flips your grip and stance to hit a spinning delivery to the off side — behind where a conventional sweeper would connect. Learn the exact technique and when to use it.
CricketHow to Play the Switch Hit in Cricket: Step-by-Step Guide
The switch hit is an audacious shot where the batter reverses their stance mid-delivery to play it as a mirror-image batsman. Here's how to execute it safely and effectively.
CricketIs Big Bash Bigger Than IPL? Comparing the Two T20 Leagues
The IPL is significantly larger than the Big Bash League in terms of revenue, viewership, and global reach, though the BBL punches above its weight for domestic cricket development.
CricketMost Successful Cricket Captains of All Time
A look at the greatest Test and ODI cricket captains — the leaders whose tactical brilliance and winning records set them apart from the rest.
CricketCricketers With Moustaches: The Most Iconic in History
From Merv Hughes to Clive Lloyd, these are the cricketers whose moustaches became as famous as their playing careers.
CricketHardik Pandya Net Worth: Cricket Earnings & Wealth Explained
Hardik Pandya is among the highest-earning Indian cricketers, with income spanning IPL contracts, BCCI central contracts, brand endorsements, and franchise ownership stakes.
CricketMost ODI Wickets in Cricket: All-Time Records and Top Bowlers
Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for most ODI wickets ever taken. This guide covers the all-time leaders, what makes an elite ODI bowler, and key ODI bowling milestones.
CricketGreatest Cricketers of All Time: The Next Tier of Legends
Beyond the very top names, this guide covers the cricketers who defined eras, set records, and shaped how cricket is played — the next tier of all-time greats.
CricketHow to Bowl a Yorker in Cricket: Step-by-Step Guide
A yorker pitches at or around the batter's feet, making it almost impossible to hit cleanly. To bowl one, target the base of the stumps or the batter's toe-line with a full-length delivery aimed precisely at the block hole.
CricketHow to Play the Helicopter Shot in Cricket: Full Guide
The helicopter shot is a powerful wrist-driven stroke played to full or yorker-length deliveries on the leg side, flicking the ball over deep midwicket with a distinctive high follow-through.
CricketHighest Score in Test Cricket by an Indian Player
Virender Sehwag holds the record for the highest Test score by an Indian player — 319 against South Africa in Chennai (2008). Here are the top innings by Indian batters in Test history.
CricketFastest 50s in Cricket: World Cups, ODIs, Tests & T20Is
A guide to the fastest half-centuries ever scored in cricket across all formats — T20Is, ODIs, Tests, and World Cups — with the players and contexts behind the records.
CricketAppealing in Cricket: What It Is and How It Works
An appeal in cricket is the fielding side's formal request for a dismissal. Without an appeal, an umpire cannot give a batter out — even if the batter clearly is.
CricketCricket Ground Size: Dimensions, Boundaries & Field Layout
There is no single fixed cricket ground size — the ICC recommends a minimum boundary of 65 yards and a maximum of 90 yards from the centre of the pitch, but grounds vary considerably.
CricketGreatest Cricketers of All Time: Legends Who Shaped the Game
An authoritative look at the cricketers most widely regarded as the greatest ever — spanning batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders across more than a century of Test cricket.
CricketGreatest Wicketkeepers in Cricket History: Behind the Stumps
The greatest wicketkeepers in Test cricket history, assessed on glovework, stumping ability, consistency, and — in the modern era — batting contribution.
CricketHitting the Ball Twice in Cricket: Law 34 Explained
Law 34 lets a batter hit the ball twice only to defend the wicket. Do it for any other reason and you are out 'hit the ball twice'. Here is how the rule works.
CricketCricket Ball Size and Weight: Full Comparison by Format
A cricket ball weighs between 155.9 g and 163 g and has a circumference of 22.4–22.9 cm for men's cricket. Women's and youth balls are slightly smaller and lighter.
CricketGreatest Batsmen in Cricket History: The Defining Names
A look at the cricketers widely regarded as the greatest batsmen of all time — defined by technique, consistency, and impact across formats and eras.
CricketSachin Tendulkar's Jersey Number: Why He Wore #10
Sachin Tendulkar wore jersey number 10 throughout his international career with India. The number became one of the most iconic in cricket history.
CricketHow to Play the Paddle Sweep in Cricket: Technique & Tips
The paddle sweep is a delicate deflection played to spin or medium-pace bowling, guiding the ball fine down the leg side. Here's the technique, footwork, and when to use it.
CricketWhat Is Strike Rate in Cricket? Batting & Bowling Explained
Batting strike rate is runs scored per 100 balls (runs ÷ balls × 100); bowling strike rate is balls bowled per wicket. Formulas and examples inside.
Cricket15 Basic Rules of Cricket Every Fan Should Know
Cricket has a detailed rulebook, but these 15 core rules cover how the game is played, how batters are dismissed, and how runs are scored.
CricketHow to Play the Uppercut in Cricket: Shot Guide
The uppercut is played against a short, wide delivery outside off stump by cutting the bat underneath the ball to send it sailing over third man for four or six. Timing and foot movement are everything.
CricketTypes of Cricket Formats: From Slowest to Fastest
Cricket is played in several formats ranging from multi-day Test matches to the explosive 10-over Hundred. This guide ranks every major format from slowest to fastest and explains the key differences.
CricketDream11 Captain & Vice-Captain: How to Pick Wisely Every Match
Your Dream11 captain scores 2x points and your vice-captain scores 1.5x — so picking them wisely is the single biggest lever in fantasy cricket. Here's how.
CricketHighest Score in Test Cricket: All-Time Individual Records
The highest individual score in Test cricket is 400* by Brian Lara (West Indies v England, 2004). Here are the all-time top scores and what makes them remarkable.
CricketPopping Crease in Cricket: The Batting Line Explained
What the popping crease is, how all the cricket creases are measured, and why the popping crease decides no-balls, stumpings, and run-outs.
CricketBest Cricket Video Games Ever Made: Ranked and Reviewed
The best cricket video games include titles from EA, Big Ant Studios, and Codemasters that captured the sport's tactics and excitement. Here are the standouts across all platforms.
CricketCricket Bat Weight: What Weight Do Cricketers Use?
Most professional cricketers use bats weighing between 2 lb 7 oz and 2 lb 12 oz (approximately 1.1–1.25 kg). The Laws of Cricket set a maximum blade width but no weight limit.
CricketFielding Positions in Cricket: A Clear Guide to Every Spot
Learn every cricket fielding position, from slips and gully to long-on and fine leg, grouped by close catchers, infield and boundary riders.
CricketGreatest Fast Bowlers in Cricket History: The Definitive Names
The greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, judged on wickets, economy, conditions mastered, and the degree to which they genuinely frightened the best batsmen of their era.
CricketFielding Restrictions in ODI Cricket: Powerplay Rules Explained
ODI cricket uses fielding restrictions called powerplays that limit the number of fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Here is exactly how they work.
CricketHow Long Does a Cricket Game Last? All Formats Explained
Cricket match duration ranges from about 3 hours for a T20 to 5 days for a Test. The exact length depends on format, weather, and how quickly wickets fall.
CricketHow Long Is a Cricket Game? Length by Format Explained
A Test match lasts up to 5 days, an ODI takes around 7–8 hours, and a T20 game is typically 3–3.5 hours. Here's how long each format of cricket actually takes.
CricketHow to Play the Cover Drive in Cricket: Technique & Timing
The cover drive is cricket's most celebrated stroke — a front-foot drive through the off side between cover and extra cover. Master the footwork, head position, and timing here.
CricketWhat Is a Cricket Bat Called? Names, Parts, and Rules
A cricket bat is simply called a cricket bat, but its parts have specific names and it must meet strict ICC regulations on size, weight, and material. Here is everything you need to know.
CricketWhat Is a Free Hit in Cricket? The Rule Explained
A free hit is the delivery a bowler must bowl after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket, on which the batter cannot be dismissed by most methods.
CricketCricket Pitch Length in Feet: Test, ODI & T20 Dimensions
A cricket pitch is 22 yards (66 feet / 20.12 metres) long in all formats — Test, ODI, and T20. The pitch length never changes between formats, only the number of overs does.
CricketTypes of Bowling in Cricket: Pace and Spin Explained
A clear guide to the types of bowling in cricket, from fast and swing bowling to off spin, leg spin, and deliveries like the yorker, googly, and doosra.
CricketDuck in Cricket: Golden, Diamond, Royal & Every Type Explained
A duck is when a batter is dismissed without scoring. Here are all the types — golden, silver, pair, king, diamond and royal duck — with clear definitions.
CricketHow to Read Cricket Scores: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Cricket scores show runs scored and wickets lost in each innings, written as Runs/Wickets (e.g. 245/6). This guide explains every number, abbreviation, and format you will encounter watching or following cricket.
CricketWhat Is a No-Ball in Cricket? Types, Rules & the Free Hit
A no-ball is an illegal delivery that costs the bowling side a run and a re-bowl. Here are every type of no-ball, the free-hit rule, and how a batter can be out off one.
CricketWhat Is a Powerplay in Cricket? ODI, T20 & The Rules Explained
A powerplay is a fixed set of overs where the fielding side may keep only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Here are the exact ODI, T20 and T20I rules.