Cricket Basics - UPSC Key Notes & Top MCQs
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world and holds a deeply rooted cultural presence in India. Known for strategy, skill, and teamwork, the game connects millions emotionally. Its formats, rules, and global tournaments shape sports conversations and national identity across communities and generations.
Cricket is relevant for UPSC because it involves governance, sports administration, international relations, national policy, fitness culture, and societal influence. Understanding its structure helps analyse government schemes, sports diplomacy, gender inclusion, infrastructure expansion, and public behaviour patterns, making it a valuable example for essays, ethics, and social issues.
Quick Revision Notes - Cricket Basics
Keyword Definitions (UPSC / SSC / RRB / SEBI / IBPS / NDA Exams)
- Cricket: A global bat-and-ball sport played between two teams, requiring strategy, coordination, and technique. It influences culture, diplomacy, broadcasting, sports economy, and public engagement, making it significant for understanding society and governance.
- ICC (International Cricket Council): The global governing body for international cricket. It manages tournaments, rules, and global cricket standards, playing a key role in sports diplomacy, international coordination, and global sporting policies.
- BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India): India’s cricket governing body, responsible for tournaments, team selection, contracts, domestic structure, and international hosting. It is one of the world’s most powerful sports organisations.
- Test Cricket: The oldest and longest format, played over five days. It tests endurance, mental strength, technique, and patience, representing the purest form of cricketing skill and strategy.
- ODI (One Day International): A limited-overs format with 50 overs per side. It balances strategy and aggression and forms part of the ICC Cricket World Cup, attracting global attention.
- T20 Cricket: A fast-paced 20-over format known for entertainment, innovation, and explosive performances. It has expanded cricket audiences and driven commercial growth through leagues and global T20 tournaments.
- IPL (Indian Premier League): A major cricket league combining sports and entertainment. It boosts India’s economic impact through broadcasting, sponsorship, tourism, and player salaries, contributing significantly to global cricket popularity.
- DRS (Decision Review System): A technology-based method used to review umpiring decisions. It includes ball-tracking, UltraEdge, and slow-motion replays, improving fairness, transparency, and accuracy in modern cricket.
- All-rounder: A player skilled in both batting and bowling, offering balance and flexibility to team strategy. All-rounders play crucial roles in pressure situations and match stability.
- Cricket Diplomacy: Using cricket as a tool to strengthen international relations, especially in South Asia. Matches often influence public sentiment, cultural exchange, and bilateral ties between nations.
- Sports Governance: Systems that manage rules, administration, and policy in sports. Cricket governance connects to ethics, transparency, resource distribution, player welfare, and national sports development.
Multiple Choice Questions - Cricket Basics
Cricket teaches teamwork, strategy, and discipline. Let the sport inspire your preparation—think clearly, stay consistent,t and approach challenges with confidence, just like players facing pressure on the field.
1. Which body governs international cricket worldwide?
a) BCCI
b) MCC
c) ICC
d) ACU
a) BCCI
b) MCC
c) ICC
d) ACU
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
The International Cricket Council governs global cricket, sets rules, manages tournaments and oversees cricketing standards worldwide. It ensures uniform regulations, fair play and international coordination across formats. Answer: c
2. Test cricket is traditionally played over how many days?
a) Three
b) Four
c) Five
d) Six
a) Three
b) Four
c) Five
d) Six
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
Test matches span five days, allowing deep strategic battles, endurance testing and tactical adaptations. This long format is considered cricket’s purest examination of skill, patience and mental resilience. Answer: c
3. Which cricket format features 50 overs per side?
a) Test
b) ODI
c) T20
d) Super Over
a) Test
b) ODI
c) T20
d) Super Over
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
One Day Internationals have 50 overs per side, combining aggression with strategy. This balanced format plays a central role in global cricket through major tournaments like the Cricket World Cup. Answer: b
4. Which country won the first-ever Cricket World Cup in 1975?
a) West Indies
b) Australia
c) India
d) England
a) West Indies
b) Australia
c) India
d) England
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
West Indies won the inaugural 1975 World Cup, showcasing dominant batting and fast bowling. Their victory established early global supremacy and shaped cricket’s modern limited-overs identity. Answer: a
5. DRS (Decision Review System) primarily uses which technology?
a) Radar
b) Hawkeye
c) Thermal tracking
d) GPS sensors
a) Radar
b) Hawkeye
c) Thermal tracking
d) GPS sensors
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
Hawkeye technology tracks the ball’s projected path, helping review LBW appeals and edge decisions. It enhances fairness, transparency and decision accuracy in modern cricket across formats. Answer: b
6. Which league transformed global T20 cricket commercially?
a) PSL
b) BBL
c) IPL
d) CPL
a) PSL
b) BBL
c) IPL
d) CPL
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
The IPL revolutionised T20 cricket by blending entertainment, star value and competitive sport. It boosted global viewership, player earnings and cricket’s economic ecosystem significantly. Answer: c
7. Who is known as the “God of Cricket”?
a) Ricky Ponting
b) Virat Kohli
c) Rohit Sharma
d) Sachin Tendulkar
a) Ricky Ponting
b) Virat Kohli
c) Rohit Sharma
d) Sachin Tendulkar
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
Sachin Tendulkar, with unmatched records and longevity, is called the “God of Cricket.” His discipline, technique and global popularity shaped modern cricket’s evolution and fan culture. Answer: d
8. Who regulates domestic cricket tournaments in India?
a) IOC
b) AIFF
c) BCCI
d) SAI
a) IOC
b) AIFF
c) BCCI
d) SAI
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
BCCI supervises domestic cricket, including Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Its structure shapes talent development and India’s long-term cricketing strength. Answer: c
9. What is the term for a player skilled in both batting and bowling?
a) Finisher
b) All-rounder
c) Anchor
d) Specialist
a) Finisher
b) All-rounder
c) Anchor
d) Specialist
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
An all-rounder strengthens team balance by contributing in both batting and bowling. Such players are crucial for depth, flexibility and managing pressure in various match situations. Answer: b
10. Cricket diplomacy is best described as:
a) A coaching method
b) Using cricket to improve international relations
c) Player-to-player counselling
d) Club-level administration
a) A coaching method
b) Using cricket to improve international relations
c) Player-to-player counselling
d) Club-level administration
Press Here for Answer & Explanation
Cricket diplomacy uses matches and sporting exchanges to ease tensions, foster goodwill and strengthen cultural ties between nations, particularly in South Asia where cricket influences public sentiment. Answer: bAdditional Reading - Cricket Basics
A determined young boy in cricket gear practices batting on a grassy field, capturing the spirit of sportsmanship and youth cricket.
If you are a cricket fanatic and are thinking of starting this game or understanding its rules, then this article is especially for you. Cricket is not just a game; it is an emotion that has become a part of life in many countries, including India. Playing cricket is a wonderful blend of physical fitness, team spirit, and mental strategy. Whether you want to be a batsman, bowler, or an all-rounder, in this guide, you will find cricket basics, equipment, strategies, and practice methods in detail.
Rules and Guidelines of Cricket
| Rule/Guideline | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Match Format | Cricket is played in Test, ODI, and T20 formats. |
| Team Composition | Each team has 11 players, including batsmen, bowlers, and a wicketkeeper. |
| Scoring Runs | Runs are scored by running between the wickets or hitting boundaries. |
| Overs and Innings | ODIs have 50 overs per side, T20s have 20 overs each. |
| Bowling Rules | A bowler delivers six legal balls per over; no-balls and wides are penalized. |
| Fielding Positions | Players are positioned strategically like slips, covers, mid-off, and long-on. |
Where did cricket come from, and why is it popular?
- Cricket originated in England in the 16th century, but today it is one of the most popular sports in the world.
- It is the most watched and played sport in countries like India, Australia, England, Pakistan, and South Africa.
- The primary body in charge of overseeing the laws for this sport is the International Cricket Council, or ICC.
- In India, the IPL (Indian Premier League) has made cricket even more exciting and commercial.
- Cricket has not only provided entertainment but has also become a source of career, fame, and national pride.
What are the main types of cricket matches?
Cricket is played in many different formats, each of which has its own strategy.
- Test Match: The traditional format lasts 5 days, and tests patience and technique.
- ODI: A match of 50 overs per side, which demands a fast strategy and scoring.
- T20: The fastest format, an exciting game of just 20 overs, which is very popular among the youth.
- Domestic Cricket: Events such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy give new players a stage to display their talent.
Children enjoy a lively game of cricket in a narrow alley of a small town, reflecting the passion for the sport in everyday Indian life.
What equipment do you need to play cricket?
Some special equipment is required to play cricket, which is important for the safety and performance of the player.
- Bat: Made of willow wood and is based on the choice and technique of the batsman.
- Ball: Made of leather and comes in red (Test) or white (ODI, T20) colour.
- Pads, Gloves, and Helmet: Necessary for protection from the ball, especially against fast bowlers.
- Spikes Shoes: Necessary for good grip and running.
- Kit Bag: In which all the equipment is kept safe.
What are the basic rules of cricket?
You may improve your performance and the pleasure of cricket by being aware of its regulations.
- A team consists of 11 players, which includes batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders.
- In every match, one team bats first, and the other bowls, and then there is a swap.
- Ways of dismissal: Bowled, caught, run out, LBW, etc.
- Rules like no ball, wide ball, and free hit add excitement to the match.
- Techniques like fielding restrictions, power play, and DRS make the game more strategic.
Gear of Cricket and Purpose
| Cricket Gear | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bat | Used by batsmen to hit the ball and score runs. |
| Ball | A hard leather ball used by bowlers to dismiss batsmen. |
| Batting Pads | Protects legs from fast deliveries during batting. |
| Batting Gloves | Shield hands from ball impact and provides grip on the bat. |
| Helmet | Protects head and face from short-pitched balls and bouncers. |
| Thigh Guard | Cushions the thigh area against high-speed deliveries. |
| Abdominal Guard (Box) | Protects the groin area for both batsmen and wicketkeepers. |
| Wicketkeeping Gloves | Special gloves to safely catch fast-moving balls behind the stumps. |
| Wicketkeeping Pads | Smaller and lighter than batting pads, designed for mobility. |
| Spikes Shoes | Enhances grip and stability on grassy pitches while running or bowling. |
| Chest Guard | Used by batsmen to protect the ribcage from fast balls. |
| Elbow Guard | Covers and protects the elbow from impact injuries during batting. |
| Cap or Hat | Protects players from sun glare and keeps them cool. |
| Sweatbands | Absorbs sweat from the forehead or arms during intense play. |
| Cricket Clothing | Breathable and flexible uniform designed for comfort and performance. |
Why are practice and fitness important in cricket?
Fitness and constant practice are the keys to becoming a good player in cricket.
- Batsmen should practice footwork, timing, and shot selection.
- Bowlers should work on line length, change of pace, and yorkers.
- Fielding practice includes throwing, catching, and run-out drills.
- Cardio, strength training, and a diet plan are essential to keep players fit for a long time.
How do strategy and teamwork help in cricket?
Cricket is a team game in which strategy and collective dedication are extremely important.
- The captain's field setting and bowling changes can change the course of the game.
- For the team to win, cooperation and trust between its players are crucial.
- Running between batsmen and bowler-fielder coordination makes it possible to prevent boundaries.
Can you make a career in cricket?
Cricket is not just a hobby; it is also a bright career option.
- Starting from the state level, one can reach the national and international levels.
- Options like coaching, commentary, umpiring, and team management are also available.
- IPL and league cricket also provide financial stability and popularity to the players.
A young boy hits the ball with a cricket bat during a spirited game, showcasing the joy and energy of street cricket
Conclusion: From Passion to Career
Cricket is more than simply a game; it imparts values like perseverance, self-control, perseverance, and teamwork.. If you understand cricket deeply and go ahead with regular practice, it can take you ahead in every field of life. Play, analyse, study, and discover your passion, and turn it into a career.
Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites
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