Play Cricket: Cricket, one of the most popular and exciting sports globally, has experienced exponential growth in recent decades. While the game began in England and spread across the British Empire, today it is played regularly by countries from all over the world. Over the years, the landscape of international cricket has expanded, with more nations establishing their own cricketing infrastructure and participating in various formats of the game. But how many countries play cricket on a regular basis?
When considering “regular basis,” we refer to countries that have developed a sustainable domestic structure and consistently field national teams for international competitions such as Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). These nations participate in cricket leagues, tournaments, and international fixtures on a consistent and competitive basis.
As of 2025, approximately 30 countries can be considered as regular cricket-playing nations. These countries not only compete in international cricket but also invest in developing their cricketing talent, organizing local competitions, and growing the game at the grassroots level.
Full Members of the ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognizes 12 Full Members that play international cricket regularly. These countries are the core of the sport, regularly participating in Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is. The Full Members have a long cricketing history and boast professional domestic structures, such as national leagues, regional competitions, and player development programs.
Full Members of the ICC (12 Countries)
| Rank | Country | ICC Status | Year of First Test | Regular International Fixtures (Test/ODI/T20I) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | Full Member | 1877 | Yes |
| 2 | England | Full Member | 1877 | Yes |
| 3 | India | Full Member | 1932 | Yes |
| 4 | New Zealand | Full Member | 1930 | Yes |
| 5 | Pakistan | Full Member | 1952 | Yes |
| 6 | South Africa | Full Member | 1889 | Yes |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | Full Member | 1982 | Yes |
| 8 | West Indies | Full Member | 1928 | Yes |
| 9 | Bangladesh | Full Member | 2000 | Yes |
| 10 | Zimbabwe | Full Member | 1992 | Yes |
| 11 | Afghanistan | Full Member | 2018 | Yes |
| 12 | Ireland | Full Member | 2018 | Yes |
These countries, often referred to as the “Top 12,” have maintained competitive cricketing programs for decades. They consistently field teams across all formats and are heavily involved in ICC events such as the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and ICC World Test Championship.
Associate Members of the ICC
While 12 Full Members lead the global cricketing stage, there are also over 90 Associate Members of the ICC. Some of these nations regularly play cricket on a national level, though they are not yet Full Members with Test status. Associate Members typically compete in ICC tournaments like the World Cup Qualifiers, T20 World Cup Qualifiers, and regional leagues.
Countries in this category regularly play in ODIs and T20Is but often lack the infrastructure and resources to compete at the highest level in Test cricket. Many Associate Members have a deep passion for the game, and a few are on the verge of achieving Full Member status.
Regular Associate Members (Around 18 Countries)
| Rank | Country | ICC Status | Year of Membership | Regular International Fixtures (ODI/T20I) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nepal | Associate | 1996 | Yes |
| 2 | Scotland | Associate | 1994 | Yes |
| 3 | UAE | Associate | 1990 | Yes |
| 4 | Hong Kong | Associate | 1965 | Yes |
| 5 | Canada | Associate | 1968 | Yes |
| 6 | Oman | Associate | 2004 | Yes |
| 7 | Kenya | Associate | 1996 | Yes |
| 8 | Netherlands | Associate | 1999 | Yes |
| 9 | Afghanistan | Associate | 2001 | Yes |
| 10 | Zimbabwe | Associate | 1992 | Yes |
| 11 | Bermuda | Associate | 1966 | Yes |
| 12 | PNG (Papua New Guinea) | Associate | 1996 | Yes |
| 13 | Jersey | Associate | 2005 | Yes |
| 14 | Guernsey | Associate | 2005 | Yes |
| 15 | Maldives | Associate | 1997 | Yes |
| 16 | Malaysia | Associate | 1969 | Yes |
| 17 | Tanzania | Associate | 1968 | Yes |
| 18 | Myanmar | Associate | 1999 | Yes |
These countries play a significant role in regional cricket and have teams that compete regularly in ICC events. Their participation in global qualifiers and competitions contributes to the growing appeal of cricket in regions like Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Non-Test Nations and Emerging Cricketing Regions
In addition to Full and Associate Members, some countries and regions have shown an increasing interest in cricket, even though they do not yet compete at the highest international levels. These countries may play regional or local competitions regularly and have enthusiastic grassroots programs, but they are still in the developmental phase. As the game continues to grow, many of these nations aspire to achieve Associate Member status and eventually move toward Full Member status.
Countries Playing Cricket on a Regular Basis (Emerging Nations)
| Rank | Country | ICC Status | Regular International Fixtures (ODI/T20I) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhutan | Emerging Nation | Yes (Regional Tournaments) |
| 2 | Indonesia | Emerging Nation | Yes (Regional Tournaments) |
| 3 | Seychelles | Emerging Nation | Yes (Regional Tournaments) |
| 4 | Tanzania | Emerging Nation | Yes (Regional Tournaments) |
| 5 | Rwanda | Emerging Nation | Yes (Regional Tournaments) |
| 6 | Cameroon | Emerging Nation | Yes (Regional Tournaments) |
| 7 | Uganda | Emerging Nation | Yes (Regional Tournaments) |
These countries are developing cricket through grassroots programs and are actively participating in regional competitions. They are supported by ICC’s initiatives to grow the game in new areas, and some have even taken part in ICC Global Tournaments like the ICC World T20 Qualifiers.
Conclusion
Cricket, a sport traditionally dominated by countries in the Commonwealth, has made significant strides globally. As of 2025, there are around 30 countries that play cricket on a regular basis, divided between Full Members, Associate Members, and emerging nations.
- 12 Full Members consistently play international cricket across all formats, with a well-established domestic and international presence.
- 18 Associate Members regularly play ODIs and T20Is, contributing to the global appeal of cricket through international qualifiers and regional competitions.
- Emerging nations are gradually building their cricketing infrastructure, with a growing focus on developing grassroots cricket and creating pathways for future international participation.
The global expansion of cricket continues to gain momentum as new nations embrace the sport. With the support of the ICC and various regional bodies, cricket will likely see even more countries playing on a regular basis, further promoting its growth and ensuring its place as one of the world’s most beloved sports.