Damon Mcknight
Cricket is a popular sport in Australia, with a large number of people participating in the game. The sport has been played in the country for over 210 years, dating back to December 1803. In the financial year 2023, it was estimated that over 185,000 Australians between the ages of 25 and 34 played cricket, with an additional 30,000 people aged 65 and above participating. The 2022-23 Australian Cricket Census revealed a 5% increase in total registered participation, with the total number growing from 598,931 to 627,693. Ausplay's 2024 report stated that 541,743 adults and 156,089 children played cricket in Australia, with less than a quarter of the players being female. Cricket Australia offers a range of formats, from entry-level programs to senior club cricket, catering to players of all ages and skill levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of people playing cricket in Australia | 697,832 (541,743 adults and 156,089 children) |
| Total number of participants registered in entry-level programs, clubs, and other competitions | 627,693 |
| Number of participants registered for Woolworths Cricket Blast and Club Cricket | 409,642 |
| Number of participants among women and girls in cricket clubs (senior and junior) and Woolworths Cricket Blast | 50,377 |
| Number of kids aged 5-12 | 129,000 |
| Woolworths Cricket Blast registrations | 69,879 |
| Junior club cricket registrations | 108,100 |
| Number of people aged 25-34 who participated in cricket | 185,000 |
| Number of people aged 65 and over who participated in cricket | 30,000 |
| Percentage of female players | <25% |
| Australians engaged in cricket competitions or programs in 2017-18 | 1,558,821 |
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What You'll Learn
Cricket's popularity in Australia
Cricket is a popular sport in Australia, widely played across the country, especially from September to April. The sport was first played in Australia in December 1803 in Sydney, and it has been played in the country for over 210 years. Cricket Australia is the peak administrative body for both professional and amateur cricket in the country.
According to Ausplay, 541,743 adults and 156,089 children played cricket in Australia in 2024, with fewer than a quarter of all players being female. The number of Australians playing cricket continued to increase throughout the 2022-23 season, with a 5% increase in total registered participation according to the latest Australian Cricket Census. The Census showed the total number of participants registered in entry-level programs, clubs, and other competitions grew from 598,931 to 627,693. There was also a significant increase of 26% in the number of female participants, from 40,143 to 50,377.
Cricket Australia has a strategy to double the number of 5 to 12-year-olds playing cricket to ensure future junior and senior registered participation remains strong. Cricket offers a range of physical, mental, and social benefits, and Social Cricket offers a modified version of the game for people of all skill levels.
Cricket has historically been an important part of Australian culture, with the era from the mid-1890s to World War I being described as Australian cricket's golden age. This era saw the emergence of iconic players such as Victor Trumper, who was idolised by the Australian public. International cricket was suspended during World War I, but after the war, a team of cricketers enlisted in the AIF toured the United Kingdom, and international cricket recommenced with a tour by a weakened English team in 1920-21.
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Adults and children playing cricket
Cricket is a popular sport in Australia, widely played across the country, especially from September to April. The sport was first played in Australia in December 1803 and has been played there for over 210 years.
According to Ausplay, in 2024, 541,743 adults played cricket in Australia. A further breakdown of these figures reveals that in the financial year 2023, an estimated 185,000 Australians aged between 25 and 34 participated in cricket, while close to 30,000 people aged 65 and over played the sport.
The 2022-23 Australian Cricket Census showed that the total number of registered participants in entry-level programs, clubs, and other competitions grew by 5% from 598,931 to 627,693. This included a 4% increase in the number of participants registered for Woolworths Cricket Blast and Club Cricket, from 393,921 to 409,642.
The number of children playing cricket in Australia is also significant. Ausplay reported that 156,089 children played cricket in 2024. The 2022-23 Cricket Census showed that junior club cricket registrations remained consistent, with 108,100 children registered to play. There was also an increase in the number of kids aged 5-12, from 116,000 to 129,000, an 11% increase.
Cricket Australia has a strategy to double the number of 5- to 12-year-olds playing cricket to ensure future participation in junior and senior registered competitions remains strong. Social cricket is designed for everyone, from beginners to seasoned players, offering a modified version of the game that lasts only 60 minutes.
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Female cricket players
Cricket is a popular sport in Australia, with a long history dating back to the early 19th century. It is played widely across the country, particularly during the months of September to April. While the sport is enjoyed by people of all genders, there has been a notable increase in female participation in recent years.
According to Ausplay, in 2024, approximately 541,743 adults and 156,089 children played cricket in Australia. However, less than a quarter of all players were female. This trend is changing, with more girls and women becoming involved in the sport. The 2017-18 National Cricket Census revealed that 30% of cricket's participants were female, and 6 out of every 10 new players were female, marking one of the highest participation growth figures.
The Australian women's national cricket team, also known as the Southern Stars, has experienced tremendous success on the international stage. They have won the most world cups and World Twenty20 titles compared to any other women's cricket team. The team's on-field performance has been impressive, with a winning streak in ODI matches and T20I series. They were ranked first in the ICC women's ODI Team Rankings in 2025.
Cricket Australia has played a pivotal role in promoting female participation in the sport. In 2023, registered participation among women and girls in cricket clubs increased by 26% to 50,377. This growth can be partly attributed to the success of Australia's women's team in international competitions, such as the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. Additionally, Cricket Australia's decision to increase female player payments in 2017 from $7.5 million to $55.2 million significantly boosted the development of women's cricket in the country.
Female cricketers in Australia have also broken barriers and set milestones. For example, Faith Thomas became the first Indigenous person to represent Australia in any national sporting team when she made her cricket debut. The Australian women's cricket team has come a long way, and their successes continue to inspire and attract more girls and women to the sport.
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Cricket participation growth
Cricket is a popular sport in Australia, with a long history dating back to the early 19th century. The sport is widely played across the country, particularly during the months of September to April.
According to Ausplay, in 2024, approximately 541,743 adults and 156,089 children played cricket in Australia, with female players accounting for less than a quarter of all participants. These numbers reflect a steady growth in cricket participation over the years. The 2017-18 National Cricket Census reported a 9% increase in participation compared to the previous year, with 1,558,821 Australians engaged in cricket competitions or programs. This trend continued into the 2022-23 season, with the Australian Cricket Census recording a 5% increase in total registered participation. The total number of participants in entry-level programs, clubs, and competitions rose from 598,931 to 627,693.
One key area of focus for Australian Cricket is increasing participation among juniors. While there was a small drop in the number of children aged 11 and under during the COVID pandemic, Australian Cricket has implemented strategies to target 5 to 12-year-olds, aiming to double their participation to secure the future of the sport. These efforts have shown positive results, with a notable increase in the number of 5 to 12-year-olds playing cricket in the 2022-23 season.
The growth in cricket participation is also evident in specific age groups. For example, in the financial year 2023, an estimated 185,000 people aged between 25 and 34 participated in cricket, while close to 30,000 people aged 65 and over also took part in the sport. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the number of girls and women playing cricket, with a 26% increase in registered participation among females in cricket clubs and competitions.
Overall, the high participation rates and consistent growth in numbers reflect the strong following and enthusiasm for cricket in Australia. With a combination of grassroots initiatives, community engagement, and the sport's historical significance, cricket is well-positioned to continue thriving in the country.
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Cricket viewing figures
Cricket is a popular sport in Australia, with a large following of viewers and players. In 2024, it was reported that 541,743 adults and 156,089 children play cricket in Australia, totalling 697,832 players. The number of Australians engaged in cricket competitions or programs has been increasing, with the 2017-18 National Cricket Census showing 1,558,821 participants, a 9% increase from the previous year. This growth is driven by female players, who made up 30% of cricket's participants and 60% of new participants in 2017-18.
The Australia vs England Twenty20 match in 2007 remains the most-watched Twenty20 match in Australia, attracting 2.306 million viewers. The 2015 Cricket World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand further showcases the sport's appeal, peaking at 4.218 million viewers nationally and becoming the most-watched sports match ever in Australia at the time.
The high viewing figures for cricket in Australia have also translated into substantial broadcast rights deals. In 2018, the Seven Network and Foxtel jointly paid $1.2 billion for the broadcast rights to all cricket competitions in Australia over six years. These figures highlight the significant interest in cricket among Australians, both as a participation sport and a popular viewing choice.
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Frequently asked questions
According to Ausplay, 541,743 adults and 156,089 children play cricket in Australia.
The 2022-23 Australian Cricket Census recorded a total of 627,693 people registered to play cricket in clubs and other competitions.
The 2022-23 Australian Cricket Census recorded 129,000 children aged 5-12 playing cricket.
While the exact number is unclear, the 2022-23 Australian Cricket Census recorded 50,377 women and girls registered to play cricket in clubs and other competitions.
