Countries : Cricket, a sport that originated in England in the 16th century, has evolved from a regional pastime to one of the most globally celebrated sports. It is a game that transcends borders, bringing together nations from every corner of the world. Since its inception, international cricket has witnessed the participation of several countries, each contributing to the game’s rich history and legacy.
International cricket, as we know it today, began in the 19th century, with the first Test match being played between England and Australia in 1877. Since then, the game has expanded to encompass various formats, such as Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is). Over the decades, more and more countries have participated in international cricket, each contributing its unique style and passion for the game.
As of 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has recognized 108 countries that have played international cricket, with varying degrees of involvement. These countries are divided into Full Members, Associate Members, and Affiliate Members, each with different rights and privileges within the cricketing world.
The Evolution of International Cricket
The origins of international cricket are closely tied to British colonial expansion, as the British Empire helped spread the game to various parts of the world. Initially, only the major cricketing nations, such as England, Australia, and the West Indies, played international matches. However, with the establishment of the ICC in 1909, the game began to grow beyond these traditional nations.
Key Milestones in International Cricket:
- 1877 – The first Test match is played between England and Australia in Melbourne.
- 1909 – The International Cricket Council (then the Imperial Cricket Conference) is founded.
- 1975 – The first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup (ODI format) is held in England.
- 2007 – The T20 format is introduced, with the ICC T20 World Cup becoming an annual fixture.
- 2018 – The ICC recognizes 105 member nations, expanding the reach of the game.
ICC Full Members
Full Members of the ICC are the top cricket-playing nations with the right to play Test cricket. These countries have had cricket as a central sport in their culture and often lead the world in cricketing achievements.
As of 2025, there are 12 Full Members of the ICC, which includes countries that regularly play Test cricket, ODI, and T20I series. These nations have a significant impact on the global cricket scene.
| Rank | Country | ICC Status | Year of First Test Match | Test Matches Played | ODI Matches Played | T20I Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | Full Member | 1877 | 830 | 960 | 250 |
| 2 | England | Full Member | 1877 | 1,030 | 750 | 250 |
| 3 | India | Full Member | 1932 | 550 | 1,000 | 180 |
| 4 | New Zealand | Full Member | 1930 | 450 | 800 | 200 |
| 5 | Pakistan | Full Member | 1952 | 450 | 950 | 200 |
| 6 | South Africa | Full Member | 1889 | 400 | 650 | 160 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | Full Member | 1982 | 290 | 550 | 120 |
| 8 | West Indies | Full Member | 1928 | 570 | 850 | 230 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | Full Member | 2000 | 100 | 350 | 100 |
| 10 | Zimbabwe | Full Member | 1992 | 250 | 450 | 100 |
| 11 | Afghanistan | Full Member | 2018 | 0 | 40 | 80 |
| 12 | Ireland | Full Member | 2018 | 0 | 70 | 60 |
ICC Associate Members
Associate Members are countries that are part of the ICC and have the ability to play One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). While these countries are not allowed to play Test cricket, they play a key role in the development and expansion of cricket at the global level.
The number of Associate Members has steadily increased as cricket continues to grow worldwide. These nations compete in ICC events like the ICC World Cup Qualifier and the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier, with hopes of gaining Full Member status.
As of 2025, 92 Associate Members participate in international cricket, with many of them having made significant strides in the shorter formats of the game.
| Rank | Country | ICC Status | Year of Membership | ODIs Played | T20Is Played | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nepal | Associate | 1996 | 30 | 35 | T20 World Cup 2016 |
| 2 | Scotland | Associate | 1994 | 100 | 75 | ICC World Cup 2007 |
| 3 | UAE | Associate | 1990 | 70 | 60 | ICC World Cup 1996 |
| 4 | Hong Kong | Associate | 1965 | 50 | 55 | ICC World Cup 2014 |
| 5 | Canada | Associate | 1968 | 80 | 65 | ICC World Cup 2003 |
| 6 | Oman | Associate | 2004 | 40 | 60 | T20 World Cup 2016 |
| 7 | Bermuda | Associate | 1966 | 25 | 30 | ICC World Cup 2007 |
| 8 | Kenya | Associate | 1996 | 150 | 120 | ICC World Cup 2003 |
| 9 | Netherlands | Associate | 1999 | 50 | 80 | ICC World Cup 2003 |
| 10 | Malaysia | Associate | 1969 | 40 | 50 | ICC World Cup 1996 |
ICC Affiliate Members
Affiliate Members are the nations that have cricket as a popular sport but are not yet in a position to regularly compete in international cricket at the ODI or Test level. These countries are in the development phase, and the ICC continues to assist them in growing the game through local competitions, tournaments, and coaching programs.
As of 2025, there are 4 Affiliate Members. These countries are in the process of developing their cricketing infrastructure and nurturing young talent to eventually progress to the status of Associate Members and, perhaps one day, Full Members.
| Rank | Country | ICC Status | Year of Membership | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhutan | Affiliate | 2006 | Participated in ICC Qualifiers 2018 |
| 2 | Indonesia | Affiliate | 1998 | ICC East Asia Pacific region tournaments |
| 3 | Myanmar | Affiliate | 1999 | Emerging cricket in Southeast Asia |
| 4 | Maldives | Affiliate | 1997 | Growing participation in local leagues |
How Cricket Has Grown Globally
Since the early days of the sport, cricket has spread to various regions, including Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. International competitions like the ICC World Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup have been instrumental in promoting the game to non-traditional cricketing nations, creating a platform for emerging teams to showcase their talent.
The growth of T20 leagues around the world, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has provided opportunities for players from Associate and Affiliate Member nations to compete alongside some of the best cricketers in the world. This has helped boost the global popularity of cricket, particularly among younger generations.
Conclusion
As of 2025, cricket has grown from a regional British pastime to a global sport played by 108 nations. While 12 Full Members continue to lead the charge in all formats of the game, 92 Associate Members are steadily building their cricketing infrastructure and making their presence felt in international competitions. Additionally, 4 Affiliate Members are still in the process of developing their cricketing potential.
Cricket’s expansion to more countries has been facilitated by global tournaments, the growth of domestic leagues, and the support of the ICC in developing grassroots cricket. As the game continues to evolve and more nations embrace it, cricket’s international appeal is set to increase, making the sport even more inclusive and exciting for fans around the world.