The link between sport participation and beneficial health outcomes has been synthesised in previous systematic reviews for golf, cycling, and sport and dance. Due to the high rate of global physical inactivity, 11 the worldwide popularity of cricket 2–4 and its viability as an outlet for physical activity across the lifespan, 13 14 information regarding the potential risks and benefits of participation in specific sports is needed to enable informed decision making for participants. 26 33 34 Thus, cricket participation may have both positive and negative impacts on health and well-being. 28 Further, some cricketers experience increased levels of stress 29 30 and depression, 31 32 which can negatively impact HRQoL. 26 Specifically, injury incidence has been reported to be up to 53 injuries per 10 000 athlete exposures, 27 with former cricketers reporting greater osteoarthritis compared with former rugby players. 20 21 However, cricket participation is associated with injury, 22–25 which can result in persistent joint pain and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. 17 Mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is higher in cricketers than in the general population. 13 14 Cricket participation can improve fitness 15 16 and strength 16 and has psychological benefits for participants, 17–19 including improved self-esteem, social connections and overall well-being. 12 Sport participation provides opportunities to be physically active across the lifespan. 11 To counteract inactivity, sports participation is promoted. Over 31% of all adults worldwide are physically inactive, with physical inactivity levels ranging from 17% in Asia to 43% in North America. 8 Regular physical activity is an important determinant of general health, life expectancy 9 and overall well-being. The 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities lists cricket as a sport that can provide moderate-intensity physical activity.

2 Cricket is played with 11 individuals per team, over 5 days (test cricket), 1 day (50 overs) or over 4 hours (Twenty20).

7 Cricket has also become increasingly popular among women, with more than 27% of all Australian cricketers being female. 4 Further, cricket is popular among youth, 5 6 many of whom continue to play cricket into adulthood. 1 Cricket is played by 1.4 million people in Australia, 2 nearly 300 000 people in the UK 3 and over 5 million people in India.

Cricket is a popular sport with approximately 2.5 billion people of all ages and abilities participating.

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