Not everyone probably knows that cricket is the second most popular sport worldwide. After all, there are still plenty of countries that haven’t been deeply influenced by this sport just yet. That includes Thailand, where cricket still operates on the sidelines.
Now, there definitely are cricket fans in the country, here and there in Thailand, and many of them are most likely wondering if the sport they love so much will eventually find the spotlight in the country.
Popularity of Cricket Worldwide
As mentioned, cricket is widely reported as the second most popular sport worldwide, behind only football. According to a Nielsen report published in May 2025, 66.1% of people in India claimed they were cricket fans, the highest of any country, while the UAE showed 52.2% strong interest.
Countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa account for the bulk of global viewership, infrastructure, and revenue. T20 leagues in countries such as Australia (Big Bash League) and England (The Hundred) have pushed cricket into new markets.
The Washington Post has also noted that cricket’s return to the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028 (if confirmed) will further boost global exposure.
Nations with growing cricket scenes often share similar traits. They have either a strong expatriate community, an ICC-supported development program, or school-based participation. The UAE has built club-level structures around its migrant population.
The USA Cricket scene also very recently gained visibility after gaining ODI status and promoting MLC. Papua New Guinea and Nepal rely on youth involvement and long-term ICC investment.
Why Cricket Has Not Taken Hold in Thailand
Cricket remains a minor sport in Thailand for several reasons. The first is simply preference. A national poll by NIDA, reported by The Nation and other Thai outlets, showed that football is the most followed sport in the country.
Muay Thai, badminton, and volleyball are also popular sports among locals. The women’s national volleyball team consistently ranks in the top international competitions, which helps maintain public interest in it.
Badminton has Olympic relevance for Thailand, and it’s safe to say that both simply have decades of cultural and institutional support. It’s not surprising these can easily overshadow cricket.
There’s also no denying that cricket lacks visibility in Thai media. Local broadcasters rarely highlight regional tournaments unless the Thai women’s team is involved.
School programs are also limited, and the sport is mostly played in expatriate circles. The Cricket Association of Thailand acknowledges this too and is aware that cricket has never really been part of the country’s sports identity, and that its growth has depended heavily on development grants and volunteer coaching.
Infrastructure definitely limits the potential of cricket in the country. Today, Thailand only has a few full-sized cricket grounds suitable for regular competition. Most casual play happens on multipurpose fields with improvised setups, and without consistent venues, it’s just harder for the sport to enter the spotlight, or even for the young generation to show interest in it.
Where the Small Openings Exist
But even with barriers, cricket is not exactly invisible in Thailand. The women’s national team remains the strongest argument for possible growth. Their qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020 drew international praise , and their SEA Games performance is proof that there is love for the sport somewhere.
Some fans follow regional qualifiers through India’s leading cricket tips platform can encounter updates about Thailand, which helps keep the country visible among cricket audiences in Asia.
Then, of course, ICC’s projects that continue to send coaching support and funds for school outreach involving the sport.
The good news? The Cricket Association of Thailand has reported gradual increases in youth participation tied to these programs. Urban areas such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with higher numbers of foreign residents, have more clubs and introductory sessions than before.
It could be because short formats like T10 are easier to host on limited facilities, and that could definitely help boost the popularity of the sport.
Conclusion
Now, a more realistic scenario for cricket in Thailand is moderate expansion. This means cricket may still eventually gain a steady presence in international school circuits, club competitions, and women’s programs.
It could also become more visible through social media, highlight clips, and regional tournaments. These paths may not create overnight popularity, but they can help build familiarity, which is the first step.
Overall, if Thailand continues investing in its national teams and schools, cricket can eventually become popular. Maybe not as massive as Muay Thai, but at least steadily gaining more followers. If not, the sport will remain present but small, driven mainly by development programs and expatriate interest.
