Cricket Enthusiast provides coverage of European T20 cricket, including match previews, odds comparisons, and betting insights.
Cricket Enthusiast
European cricket news is at the heart of Cricket Enthusiast.
Follow ET20 scores, team previews, and exclusive insights to stay ahead of the game.
Live scores powered by CricketData.org
Latest European Cricket News and ETPL Updates
Latest news and updates from European cricket, including developments across domestic leagues, international fixtures, and the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). View the ETPL guide →
Team Previews & Player Analysis
Team previews, squad updates, and player analysis across European cricket, covering ICC member nations, emerging leagues, and major tournaments.
Live Scores & Results
Live scores, results, and match data from European and international cricket, helping fans follow key fixtures as they happen.
The History of Cricket
The sport of Cricket has a rich history dating back over 500 years, evolving from local English village games into the globally loved sport it is today. India and Pakistan being the top countries for cricket viewership, however European cricket has grown steadily, particularly in Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, where clubs have nurtured local talent and international participation.
Viewership Highlights (Dec 2025)
- After Football a.k.a Soccer, Cricket is the second most-watched sport worldwide with 2.5 billion fans.
- Asia dominates viewership, with India and Pakistan leading globally.
- UK and Australia remain strong cricket markets with high per-capita engagement.
- South Africa anchors African viewership, though smaller compared to Asia.
Cricket Governance and the ICC
Global role of ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body of cricket. It oversees international tournaments like the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup, sets rules, and promotes the sport worldwide.
ICC in Europe
In Europe, the ICC supports national boards (e.g., Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain) by funding development programs, sanctioning tournaments, and integrating European cricket into the global calendar. The ICC is similar, for example, to FIFA in football and FIBA in basketball, all global governing bodies that regulate rules, organize world championships, and promote the sport internationally while supporting regional federations.
Example Governing Bodies
| Body | Sport | Role |
|---|---|---|
| ICC |
 Cricket
|
Global governance, rules, tournaments, development programs (esp. Europe). |
| FIFA |
Football
|
Global governance, World Cup, regulations, continental federations. |
| FIBA |
 Basketball
|
Global governance, Basketball World Cup, rules, continental federations. |
How to Play Cricket
The game is played between two teams of eleven players each. Matches involve batting, bowling, and fielding, with the objective to score runs and dismiss the opposing team. Formats range from short T20 games to multi-day Tests, with European leagues focusing on fast-paced T20 action for fans and players alike.
Major Cricket Events in Europe
European cricket features a growing calendar of domestic, regional, and international tournaments. Key events include national T20 leagues, ICC pathway competitions, and major global tournaments hosted or followed closely across Europe.
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup & ODI World Cup – globally followed, with strong European fan interest
- ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers & Europe Regionals – pathway events for associate nations
- European Cricket Championship (ECC) – multi-nation T10 tournament across Europe
- National T20 Leagues – including competitions in Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Germany
- Franchise T20 Leagues worldwide – IPL, BBL, PSL, ILT20, and others widely followed by European audiences
A new addition to the European calendar is the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) , launching in August 2026.
Betting on Cricket
Betting on cricket is popular across Europe when major tournaments begin. Odds can shift quickly before matches start, influenced by team news, conditions, and market movement. Understanding how odds move helps fans make smarter betting decisions. For more details, visit the Cricket Betting Odds Hub .