The top 10 fun facts about cricket highlight remarkable achievements, unique records, and the sport’s history, showcasing its evolution, legendary players, and memorable moments that continue to captivate fans worldwide.
10. Ben Stokes is not from England
Our final interesting cricket fact is about England’s test captain, Ben Stokes, who is currently leading the team with a holistic and aggressive approach in the format. Although Stokes was born in New Zealand, he plays for the England Cricket Board. You may wonder why he chose not to represent New Zealand.
The reason lies in his childhood; his father, Gerard Stokes, played rugby and represented England. Consequently, Ben Stokes moved to England with his family, where he began playing cricket and made his debut for the England team in 2011.
9. MS Dhoni Without Century In ODI
India’s greatest finisher, MS Dhoni, scored 10 centuries in his ODI career. However, a notable fun fact is that he never registered a century outside Asia throughout his entire one-day international career.
His performances in countries like South Africa, Australia, England, New Zealand, and the West Indies were generally mediocre and below par, which accounts for his lack of ODI hundreds outside Asian countries.
8. Women Played Cricket World Cup Before Men
The first Cricket World Cup took place in 1973 when England’s women’s cricket team won the inaugural tournament before the men’s team. Despite cricket traditionally being more popular among men, emphasizing power-hitting and athleticism, the first men’s World Cup occurred in 1975, two years after the women’s.
This historical fact highlights the equal participation of women in the sport, although it was less recognized at the time due to its lower popularity. In the modern era, both men’s and women’s cricket have gained immense popularity, attracting large crowds to stadiums worldwide.
7. Hilarious Debut Wicket Of Virat Kohli in T20I
Virat Kohli, the heart and soul of Indian cricket, achieved a remarkable feat during his T20 international debut against England in 2011, claiming a wicket without delivering a legal ball.
This extraordinary event happened when Kohli’s first delivery was deemed a wide, and England’s Kevin Pietersen was stumped by MS Dhoni.
As a result, Kohli became the only player in history to take his first T20I wicket without bowling a legal delivery, showcasing a unique and surprising moment in cricket.
6. Only Team To Win WC In All Formats
For the new generation of cricket fans, it’s essential to remember that before the ICC Test Championship was introduced in 2019, the World Cup featured three formats: 60 overs, 50 overs, and T20.
India stands out as the only team to have won the World Cup in all three formats: the 60-over World Cup in 1983, the T20 World Cup in 2007, and the 50-over World Cup in 2011. This remarkable achievement gives India three distinct World Cups.
However, the 60-over format was discontinued after the 1987 World Cup due to declining popularity and fan interest.
5. Akash Chopra’s Cricket Career
Another fun fact about cricket involves Indian commentator Aakash Chopra, who is cherished by fans for his entertaining style, statistical insights, and deep understanding of the game.
While many might believe that his extensive cricket knowledge comes from a lengthy playing career, it’s surprising to note that he played only 10 Test matches. Despite this limited experience in the field, Chopra has developed significant expertise in technical analysis and various aspects of the game.
4. Record Of Fastest Hundred In ODI
South African former legendary batsman AB de Villiers, widely adored in Asia, especially in India, achieved a remarkable feat in 2015. He scored the fastest century in ODI cricket, reaching the milestone in just 31 balls, hitting 9 fours and 16 sixes. This incredible achievement secures his place as the 4th most fascinating cricket fact in history.
3. Longest Match Of Cricket
A T20I match lasts about 3.5 hours, an ODI takes 7-8 hours, and a Test match typically spans five days. Here’s a fun fact: in 1939, a Test match between England and South Africa remarkably extended to 12 days. This “timeless Test match” format meant it would only conclude when a result was achieved, and rain interruptions in Durban further delayed the proceedings.
2. Highest Run Scored By Player In ODI
In today’s ODI cricket, teams often score between 250 and 300 runs. However, in 2014, Indian captain Rohit Sharma set an incredible record by scoring 264* runs against Sri Lanka, the highest individual score in ODI history. This feat is astonishing, as reaching even 100 runs is a challenge for many batsmen, highlighting Rohit, known as the “Hitman,” as a remarkable talent in the game.
1. First One To Smash A Century Without Helmet
A fun fact about cricket is that West Indies legend Viv Richards was the first player in ODI history to score a century without wearing a helmet while facing formidable bowlers like Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram in the late 1900s. Playing against such ruthless bowlers without head protection showcased Sir Viv Richards’ incredible courage and skill on the field.
