Cricket is a bat-and-ball team sport that has been played around the world for more than eight centuries. In fact, there is written evidence of Prince Edward playing cricket in 14th century England. It wasn't until the 17th century, however, that cricket became a professional sport played in competition, and not until a hundred years later that it became known around the world.
Today, the International Cricket Council has 104 members. The game has its greatest following in the Test playing countries of Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and the West Indies and is generally regarded as the second most popular spectator sport in the world.
