Reflection

BITS ‘N’ PIECES

Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (R.A)

A person asked Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W), “What (sort of) deeds in or (what qualities of) Islam are good?” He replied, “To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you don’t know.”

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 27

DID YOU KNOW?

The Hambledon Club, founded in the 1760s, is often considered the birthplace of modern cricket.

The ninth edition of the T20 Men’s World Cup has been disappointing for Pakistani fans, but we know you will continue to love this game. We thought we would regale you with the story of how cricket started.

Cricket, as we know it today, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. Its origins can be traced to medieval England, where it evolved from simpler bat-and-ball games played by children. The exact origins of cricket are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been played as early as the 13th century.

One theory suggests that cricket may have originated as a children’s game in the Weald, an area of dense woodlands and clearings in southeast England. Children in this region are said to have played a game called “creag” or “cree,” which involved hitting a ball with a stick or a bat.

Over time, the game evolved and became more organized. By the 17th century, cricket had gained popularity among adults, particularly in rural areas of England. It was played on village greens and other open spaces, with simple rules and equipment.

The first recorded match of cricket took place in 1646, and the game continued to grow in popularity throughout the 18th century. The Hambledon Club, founded in the 1760s, is often considered the birthplace of modern cricket. The club established many of the rules and regulations that form the basis of the game today.

The 19th century saw the rapid expansion of cricket, both within England and to other parts of the world. Cricket became increasingly popular in schools and universities, and the first international cricket match was played between the United States and Canada in 1844.

The establishment of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1787 was a significant moment in the history of cricket. The MCC became the custodian of the laws of cricket and remains an important institution in the sport to this day.

Cricket began to spread to other parts of the British Empire, including Australia, India, and the West Indies. The first overseas tour by an English team took place in 1859 when a team led by George Parr visited North America.

In conclusion, cricket has a long and storied history that spans centuries. From its humble origins as a children’s game to its status as one of the world’s most popular sports, cricket has evolved and grown into the game we know and love today.