European cricket news is your go-to source for ET20 scores, team previews, and exclusive insights across the continent.
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.
ETPL News & Updates
Stay up-to-date with all the latest developments from the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Player signings, fixture announcements, and matchday highlights from Dublin to Amsterdam.
Team Previews & Player Analysis
Detailed breakdowns of each ETPL team, squad lists, key players, and performance analysis. Coverage includes European ICC member nations and international stars.
Live Scores & Results
Real-time ETPL scores, match statistics, and commentary keep fans connected wherever they are.
Exclusive Insights & Articles
Expert commentary, player interviews, and insights into the growing European cricket market.
Explore more: Team Previews | Live ETPL Scores | Official ETPL Resources
European cricket news is your go-to source for ET20 scores, team previews, and exclusive insights across the continent.
The History of Cricket
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)
- 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.
| Country/Region | Estimated Audience | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
 India (Asia)
|
~1 billion+ | India dominates global cricket viewership. The 2023 World Cup final drew 300M live viewers. |
 Pakistan (Asia)
|
~150–200 million | Record-breaking broadcast numbers during ICC tournaments. |
 United Kingdom (Europe)
|
~30–40 million | Strong following during Ashes and ICC events. |
 Australia (Oceania)
|
~25–30 million | Big Bash League and internationals drive viewership. |
 South Africa (Africa)
|
~20–25 million | Leads African cricket viewership, with growth in Kenya and Zimbabwe. |
Sources
Why the ICC Exists
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.
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 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.
| 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.
European Cricket Teams
Europe hosts several ICC-affiliated teams, including national squads from Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Each country has local clubs and development programs that feed into leagues like the European Cricket Network (ECN) and the ETPL franchises.
Major Cricket Events in Europe
Major events include national championships, international qualifiers, and franchise T20 leagues. The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), launching in August 2026, features six city-based teams across Dublin, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, Belfast, Amsterdam, and Glasgow. With marquee internationals and top European talent, ETPL is fast becoming the continent’s premier T20 competition.
The Rise of ETPL
ETPL is strategically scheduled to fill gaps in the global cricket calendar, attracting fans from both Europe and the international diaspora. Leveraging ICC sanctioning, partnerships with Cricket Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, and a mix of local and international stars, ETPL represents a new era of cricket, combining sport, entertainment, and community engagement.