When you hear someone say “cricket,” what comes to mind? Do you imagine a five-day match where not much seems to happen? Or maybe a three-hour game packed with sixes, drama, and loud crowds?
The thing is, cricket isn’t just one type of game. Over the years, it has evolved into multiple formats. Some are slow and deep, others are super quick and made for the modern fanbase. And there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re new to the game or just want to explore its many faces, here’s a chill breakdown of the six most popular forms of cricket today.
Why so many formats?
Back in the day, cricket was all about taking things slow. Matches could go on for days. No one minded, because people had the time and the patience.
Later the live television arrived, altering the expectations of fans and hectic lifestyles. Everybody needed quicker results, more thrill, and fewer waiting times. Cricket was forced to adapt. That’s how shorter forms arrived. Nowadays, depending on your time and mood, you can choose a format that suits you.
Let’s check out the main ones.
1. Test Cricket – The Classic
This is the OG version. It’s been around since the 1800s and is still going strong. A Test match lasts five days. Each team bats twice, and there’s no rush.
Players wear all-white kits, the ball is red, and conditions like the pitch and weather actually make a big difference. Test cricket is slow, strategic, and really makes players work for their wins. It’s not everyone’s thing, but it has a charm of its own.
If you like old-school rivalries like India vs Australia or England vs South Africa, this is where it all comes alive.
2. ODI – One Day, One Result
One Day International is what ODI stands for. It’s a condensed version in which both teams have 50 overs to bat and the match is completed within one day.
ODIs strike a good balance between action and strategy. You still get to see players develop partnerships and make big scores, but you do not have to watch five long days of it. Moreover, ODI matches have provided us with some of the most memorable World Cup memories.
Coloured jerseys are worn by the players, the crowd support is through the roof, and the white ball maintains the thriller.
3. T20 – Fast and Furious
T20 changed the way people watch cricket. Each team bats for just 20 overs, and the entire match is done in about three hours. That’s less time than a movie.
The focus here is big hits, fast wickets, and edge-of-the-seat finishes. This is the format that made cricket cool again, especially for younger fans.
Leagues like the IPL made T20 even more popular. Teams from different countries, celebrity owners, amazing fanbases, and non-stop entertainment- what’s not to love?
If you ever feel like watching or playing cricket after work, this is the go-to format.
And if you want to try your hand at it, just book a turf near you using Playo.
4. T10 and The Hundred – Super Short Versions
If T20 seems short, just wait until you have watched T10. Each side has just 10 overs, and the game is over in little more than 90 minutes. It’s quick, it’s unpredictable, and it’s over quicker than you can say Jack Robinson.
Then there’s The Hundred, an English format in which each side receives 100 balls to bat against. That is it. It is easy, easy to understand, and for those who may find cricket bewildering or too time-consuming.
These new formats are not played everywhere yet, but they’re popularising rapidly, particularly among supporters who only wish to watch a quick match without sacrificing their whole day.
5. Indoor Cricket – The All-Weather Option
Indoor cricket/Box cricket, alternatively known as box cricket, is an entertaining variation of the game. It’s typically played in a netted area using a soft ball and smaller teams, such as six or eight players.
The best part? The ball can bounce off the walls, so you need to be on your toes the whole time. It’s fast, speedy, and ideal if you don’t feel like stepping out into the heat, rain, or inclement weather outside.
Indoor cricket is also a viable choice for recreational leagues, after-work games, or simply getting in a workout with mates.
6. Gully and Backyard Cricket – Everyone’s First Match
This one’s not official, but it’s the one most people start with. Gully cricket is the version played in lanes, parks, driveways, rooftops, basically, anywhere you can swing a bat.
The gear is simple. A tennis ball, a bat (even a wooden stick works), and some space. Rules? Made up on the spot. It’s fun, messy, and totally unpredictable.
In Australia, you’ve got backyard cricket. On beaches, in the yard, at barbecues. It’s all about the joy of playing, without any pressure.
If you’re the kind who grabs a bat every weekend with friends, you’ll relate to this format the most.
And when you’re ready to take it up a notch, the Playo app has everything you need. You can find venues, join games, or even book turf for your gang.
Want to know how big a cricket ground really is? Check out this quick guide on cricket field dimensions.
Final Thoughts
Cricket isn’t stuck in one style anymore. From five-day Test matches to 90-minute T10 games, there’s a version of cricket for every type of fan and every kind of schedule.
And if you’ve mostly been watching the game, maybe it’s time to play. The Playo app makes it super easy to find venues, connect with other players, and book matches.
So whether you love the slow grind or the fast thrill, there’s something here for you.
Ready to Play?
– Download the Playo app on Google Play Store
– Get it on the App Store
– Explore venues on Playo.co
And don’t forget to check out more cool reads in Playo’s Cricket Zone. Whether you’re playing, watching, or both, cricket’s always got something awesome waiting for you.
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