Cricket in Singapore: Where to Play, Watch & Join

Cricket in Singapore might not be as popular as football, but it’s still quite the sport for a dedicated group, especially when you’re talking about the Singapore Cricket Association and the Singapore cricket team

So, why do people like cricket? Maybe it’s the excitement of the SPL fixtures or just a great way to escape the heat while playing at places like the Kallang Cricket Ground or West Coast Park. As for which nationalities are most into cricket in Singapore—well, you’d be surprised that the Indian community leads the charge, with a few other cricket-loving nations not too far behind. If you’re wondering whether there are cricket leagues or even classes in Singapore, the answer is yes, of course—just check out local forums for leagues like the Singapore Cricket League (SCL) or cricket academies like the Cricket Coaching Academy. And if you want to take it global, well, cricket leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) or the Big Bash League are just a few of the big names to know.

What is cricket?

Cricket is a bat-and-ball sport, often considered the second most popular game in the world (behind football, of course). Played between two teams of 11 players each, the objective is for one team to score as many runs as possible while the other team tries to dismiss them—sounds simple, right? The game is typically played on an oval-shaped field with a pitch in the center, where the action happens. Players use a bat to hit a ball, while bowlers (yes, they’re not called pitchers here) try to get them out in various entertaining ways. Whether you’re watching the SPL or the IPL, cricket is all about strategy, teamwork, and, for some reason, a lot of tea breaks. Cricket originated in England in the 16th century, evolving from a simple rural game into the globally followed sport we know today.

Why do people in Singapore like cricket?

• Diverse Communities: With a large Indian population and other cricket-loving nationalities, cricket naturally becomes a favored pastime.
• Global Influence: Watching international leagues like the IPL and Big Bash League gives locals a taste of world-class cricket right in their backyard.
• Social Aspect: Cricket matches are a great way to bond with friends and family, offering a laid-back yet competitive atmosphere.
• Growing Infrastructure: The rise of local cricket leagues, such as the Singapore Cricket League (SCL), has sparked more interest and participation.
• Accessibility: With accessible playing grounds like Kallang Cricket Ground and West Coast Park, it’s easy to get into the game.

Which nationalities like cricket the most in Singapore?

The nationalities that like cricket the most in Singapore include:

• Indians – Cricket is a major part of Indian culture, and with a significant Indian community in Singapore, it’s no surprise they lead the charge.
• Pakistanis – Another cricket-loving nation with a deep passion for the sport, especially when it comes to international tournaments.
• Sri Lankans – With a strong cricket tradition, Sri Lankans in Singapore are avid fans and players of the sport.
• Australians – Known for their success in global cricket, Australians in Singapore often follow or play the sport.
• Bangladeshis – Cricket is deeply rooted in Bangladesh, and the community here in Singapore continues to keep the sport alive.
• Anglo-Singaporeans – The local population with British heritage still has a soft spot for cricket, given its English origins.

Where do you play cricket in Singapore?

• Kallang Cricket Ground – A popular spot for local matches and the Singapore Cricket League (SCL). Cost: Free for casual games, but bookings for official matches may incur a fee of around SGD 50-100 per session.
• West Coast Park – Ideal for casual cricket with friends. Cost: Free.
• Padang – A historic venue for cricket games in the city. Cost: Free for casual games, but rental for official events is approximately SGD 100-200.
• Changi Cricket Ground – A quiet and accessible spot for games. Cost: Free for casual play; booking for formal matches can cost around SGD 50-100.
• Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) – A private club with top-notch facilities for members. Cost: Membership required, with fees ranging from SGD 1,500-3,000 annually.
• Jurong West Sports Complex – Great for casual matches and practice. Cost: Around SGD 50-80 for renting the facility for a few hours.

Are there cricket leagues in Singapore?

The Singapore Cricket League (SCL) is the premier competitive cricket league in Singapore, providing an exciting platform for local cricket enthusiasts to showcase their skills. Managed by the Singapore Cricket Association (SCA), the SCL features a variety of teams from across the country, including clubs, schools, and corporate entities. The league operates in multiple divisions, catering to players of all skill levels, from amateurs to seasoned professionals.

Key Features of the SCL

• Multiple Divisions: The SCL has divisions ranging from top-tier, competitive teams to more recreational divisions, ensuring there’s a spot for everyone interested in playing at different levels.
• Cricket Formats: Matches are generally played in both T20 and 50-over formats, offering variety and excitement for players and spectators alike.
• Annual Tournaments: In addition to regular league play, the SCL hosts various tournaments and friendly matches throughout the year, such as the SCL T20 Championship.

How to Participate

To get involved in the SCL, players typically need to:

• Join a Cricket Club: Most SCL teams are affiliated with local cricket clubs, which are responsible for organizing and entering teams into the league.
• Register for a Club or Team: If you’re interested in participating, you can either join an existing club or form a new team and register for the league via the Singapore Cricket Association’s website.
• Attend Trials: Some clubs or teams hold trials to evaluate new players, so you may need to attend to showcase your skills before being selected.

The SCL is not only a great opportunity for local players to compete but also an excellent way to build camaraderie and promote cricket within the Singaporean community.

Where can you take cricket classes in Singapore?

Here are some places in Singapore where you can take cricket classes:

1. Singapore Cricket Association (SCA)

Overview: As the official governing body of cricket in Singapore, the SCA offers coaching programs for players of all ages and skill levels.

Location: 31 Stadium Crescent, Singapore, 397639.

1. SCC Cricket Academy

Overview: Operated by the Singapore Cricket Club, this academy provides professional coaching for juniors and seniors, fostering a nurturing environment for cricket enthusiasts.

Location: Singapore Cricket Club, Padang.

1. SportyGo Cricket Academy

Overview: SportyGo offers professionally qualified coaches who are members of the National Registry of Coaches, providing technical training, first aid with AED + CPR certification, and personalized coaching.

Location: Various venues, including Kallang and West Coast Park.

1. 3Cricket

Overview: 3Cricket focuses on the holistic development of each player, offering ECB accredited programs, matches, overseas tours, and collaborations with international academies.

These academies provide excellent opportunities to enhance your cricket skills, catering to various age groups and proficiency levels.

What cricket leagues are there globally?

1. Indian Premier League (IPL) – India

The most popular and wealthiest T20 league, featuring the world’s best players.

Top Teams:

• Mumbai Indians (MI) – Most IPL titles.
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Consistently dominant.
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Strong all-round squad.
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – Star-studded but unlucky.

1. Big Bash League (BBL) – Australia

Australia’s top T20 league, known for big crowds and entertaining cricket.

Top Teams:

• Perth Scorchers – Most titles.
• Sydney Sixers – Consistent contenders.
• Melbourne Stars – Fan-favorite, but yet to win.
• Adelaide Strikers – Strong bowling attack.

1. Pakistan Super League (PSL) – Pakistan

Highly competitive league with passionate fans and strong local talent.

Top Teams:

• Lahore Qalandars – Recent back-to-back champions.
• Islamabad United – Most PSL titles.
• Multan Sultans – Fast-rising powerhouse.
• Karachi Kings – Mixed performances, but huge fanbase.

1. The Hundred – England

England’s unique 100-ball format, designed for fast-paced action.

Top Teams:

• Southern Brave – First-ever champions.
• Trent Rockets – Balanced and dangerous.
• Birmingham Phoenix – Strong batting lineup.
• Oval Invincibles – Power-packed squad.

Top cricket teams in the Cricket world cup

Based on historical performance and recent dominance:

1. Australia 🇦🇺 Most Successful Team – 6 World Cup titles (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, 2023). Known for producing world-class players like Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, and Pat Cummins. Dominates both ODIs and T20 formats.

2. India 🇮🇳 Two-Time Champions – 1983 (led by Kapil Dev) & 2011 (MS Dhoni’s iconic finish). Always among the favorites with top talents like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. Strong fanbase and IPL experience give them an edge.

3. England 2019 Champions – Won their first World Cup in a dramatic final against New Zealand. Revolutionized ODI cricket with an aggressive playing style. Star players include Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Jofra Archer.

4. Pakistan 🇵🇰 1992 Champions – Led by the legendary Imran Khan. Unpredictable but always dangerous, producing fast bowlers like Wasim Akram and Shaheen Afridi. Strong performances in ICC tournaments.

5. New Zealand 🇳🇿 Two-time Finalists – 2015 and 2019 (lost both but won hearts). Known for their sportsmanship, consistency, and team-first mentality. Kane Williamson and Trent Boult lead their current generation.

Honorable Mentions

• West Indies 🇻🇨 – Two-time winners (1975, 1979) but have declined in recent years.
• South Africa 🇿🇦 – Never won but consistently strong, often labeled “chokers.”
• Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 – 1996 champions, with legends like Muralitharan and Sangakkara.

These teams have shaped Cricket World Cup history, with Australia leading the way in dominance.

How do you watch IPL in Singapore and cricket in Singapore?

How to Watch IPL in Singapore & Cricket in General

1. Watching IPL in Singapore

You can catch the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Singapore through various streaming platforms and TV channels:

• Disney+ Hotstar (VPN required) – The official broadcaster in India, but you’ll need a VPN to access it from Singapore.
• StarHub Sports+ – Occasionally offers IPL matches as part of its cricket coverage.
• Singtel CAST – Check if they have any IPL streaming packages.
• Willow TV (VPN required) – Popular among cricket fans for live coverage.
• YouTube (Highlights & Free Streams) – Official IPL channels upload match highlights.

1. Watching Other Cricket Matches in Singapore

For international matches, including Test cricket, ODIs, and T20 leagues:

• ESPN & StarHub Sports – Occasionally broadcast ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
• Amazon Prime Video (India) – Sometimes offers live cricket, but a VPN is required.
• Cricbuzz & ESPNcricinfo – For live scores and updates if streaming isn’t available.

While cricket isn’t as mainstream in Singapore as in India or Australia, there are still plenty of ways to stay updated and catch the action!

Happy cricketing!