How Many Cricket Teams Exist Globally?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) was established on June 15, 1909, as the Imperial Cricket Conference by England, Australia, and South Africa to standardize cricket rules across member nations. Over time, the organization evolved into the ICC, expanding its membership globally. Today, the ICC boasts 108 members, divided into 12 Full Members and 96 Associate Members.

ICC Full Members

Full Members, often referred to as Test-playing nations, have the right to compete in official Test matches, the longest and most prestigious format of cricket. These nations also enjoy voting rights in ICC meetings, which shape the sport’s governance and regulations. In addition to Tests, they are automatically eligible for ODIs and T20Is, ensuring frequent international participation.

ICC Associate Members

Associate Members are nations where cricket is organized and popular but hasn’t yet reached the level required for full membership. While they lack privileges like Test cricket participation and voting rights, these countries actively compete in international tournaments, aiming to elevate their status.

Highlights of ICC Full Members

Afghanistan

Afghanistan became a Full Member in 2017 after significant growth in international cricket since its ICC affiliate membership in 2001. Their first Test match took place in 2018 against India.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh achieved Full Membership in 2000, debuting in Test cricket the same year against India. They’ve appeared in six ODI World Cups and eight T20 World Cups.

Sri Lanka

Granted Test status in 1981, Sri Lanka achieved international acclaim by winning the 1996 World Cup and the 2014 T20 World Cup.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s first Test was in 1930. They won the World Test Championship in 2021 and the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 2000.

West Indies

The West Indies dominated cricket during the 1970s and 1980s. They have won two ODI World Cups (1975, 1979) and two T20 World Cups (2012, 2016).

Ireland

Ireland gained Full Membership in 2017, debuting in Test cricket against Pakistan in 2018. They’ve participated in multiple T20 and ODI World Cups.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe became a Full Member in 1992. They’ve reached the Super Six stage of the World Cup twice, in 1999 and 2003.

Pakistan

Pakistan achieved Full Membership in 1952. They’ve won the 1992 ODI World Cup, 2009 T20 World Cup, and 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

India

India has won multiple ICC tournaments, including two ODI World Cups (1983, 2011) and a T20 World Cup (2007).

Australia

The Australian cricket team is a powerhouse, having won five ODI World Cups and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

England

England, one of the oldest cricketing nations, won its first ODI World Cup in 2019 and has two T20 World Cup titles (2010, 2022).

South Africa

Returning from apartheid in 1991, South Africa remains a competitive side, winning the 1998 Champions Trophy and reaching multiple World Cup semi-finals.

Cricket continues to expand globally, with Associate nations striving for excellence and Full Members showcasing dominance in the sport’s prestigious formats.

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