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Estimating the total number of cricket fans globally is challenging due to varying definitions of a "fan" and differing levels of interest across countries.

Global Cricket Fans Estimation and Breakdown

May 11, 2025

Published by Morris Neilson-Ruiz

 

Estimating the total number of cricket fans globally is challenging due to varying definitions of a "fan" and differing levels of interest across countries. However, based on available data, we can make an educated approximation:

 

Estimated Number of Cricket Fans Worldwide: 2.5 Billion 

 

Breakdown by Region:

 

1. Indian Subcontinent (Biggest Cricket Market) 

• India: 1.3 Billion (Cricket is the most popular sport) 
• Pakistan: 220 Million 
• Bangladesh: 160 Million 
• Sri Lanka: 20 Million 
• Nepal & Afghanistan: 50 Million combined 

 

Total for Subcontinent: 1.75 Billion 

 

2. Other Cricket-Playing Nations 

• Australia: 10 Million 
• England: 15 Million 
• South Africa: 10 Million 
• West Indies (Caribbean nations): 10 Million 
• New Zealand: 3 Million 

   Total for Other Nations: 48 Million** 

 

3. Emerging & Associate Nations 

• Countries like Ireland, Netherlands, UAE, Zimbabwe, Kenya, etc.: 20 Million 

 

4. Expat & Global Fanbase 

• Cricket has growing popularity in the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe, Middle East, and East Asia (thanks to T20 leagues like IPL, PSL, and BBL). 
• Estimated: 100 Million 

 

Factors Affecting the Estimate:

• TV & Digital Viewership: The ICC estimates over 1.5 billion viewers for major tournaments like the Cricket World Cup. 

• IPL (Indian Premier League): Draws 500+ million viewers annually. 

• T20 Leagues: Expanding reach in non-traditional markets (e.g., USA’s Major League Cricket). 

 

Conclusion:

While exact numbers are hard to pin down, a reasonable estimate is between 2 to 3 billion cricket fans worldwide, with the majority in South Asia. 

 Sports Fans