Cricket is a popular bat-and-ball game that is played between two teams. It originated in England and is very popular in countries that were once part of the British empire. Cricket involves strategy, skill and endurance. Here are 41 riddles about various aspects of cricket to challenge your knowledge of this beloved sport.
Cricket History Riddles
Let’s start with some riddles about the history and origins of cricket:
Riddle 1
I’m considered by some to be the cradle of cricket. Many early cricket matches were played on my ground in the 16th century. What am I?
Answer: The village green of Shenley, Hertfordshire, England
Riddle 2
We wrote down the first rules for cricket in 1744 that specified the size of the pitch, batts, balls and more. Who are we?
Answer: The Star and Garter Club
Riddle 3
I hosted the first ever international cricket match in 1844 between Canada and the United States. What sporting ground am I?
Answer: St George’s Cricket Club Ground, New York
Cricket Field Riddles
Now let’s look at some riddles about the cricket field and equipment:
Riddle 4
We are three sticks behind the batsman that get knocked off when the wicket gets hit. What are we?
Answer: Bails
Riddle 5
I’m the flat strip of ground 22 yards long where batting and bowling take place. What am I?
Answer: Cricket pitch
Riddle 6
I’m the playing area between the two sets of stumps at either end of the pitch. What am I?
Answer: Cricket crease
Batting and Bowling Riddles
Let’s look at some riddles focused on bowling and batting:
Riddle 7
I’m a shot played with a horizontal bat to hit the ball square of the wicket. What am I?
Answer: Square cut
Riddle 8
I refer to the batman scoring zero runs. What do they call me?
Answer: Duck or golden duck
Riddle 9
I’m a medium-fast bowler who can swing the ball in and out. What type of bowler am I?
Answer: Swing bowler
Cricket Scoring Riddles
Now for some riddles about runs, scoring and dismissals:
Riddle 10
We’re runs hit when the ball doesn’t hit the ground after being struck by the bat. What are we called?
Answer: Boundary or bounds
Riddle 11
I refer to the batter being ruled out without scoring a single run. What do they call me?
Answer: Diamond duck
Riddle 12
I’m a fielding position placed behind the batsman to catch high or mistimed shots. Who am I?
Answer: Long stop
International Cricket Riddles
Now for some cricket riddles about international play and tournaments:
Riddle 13
We’re the highest level of international cricket held every four years to determine the world champion. What event are we?
Answer: Cricket World Cup
Riddle 14
I’m a short form cricket league with eight franchises across India launched in 2008. Hundreds of millions watch me. What league am I?
Answer: Indian Premier League (IPL)
Riddle 15
We are arch rivals in cricket and have played each other in one of cricket’s biggest rivalries since 1952. Who are we?
Answer: India and Pakistan national cricket teams
Rules and Positions Riddles
How well do you know the rules and positions in cricket? Try these riddles:
Riddle 16
We are the two umpires who officiate the match and enforce the rules. Who are we?
Answer: On-field umpires
Riddle 17
When a batter gets out without facing a single ball, they say I ran him out without a ___ What’s the missing word?
Answer: Without a sighting
Riddle 18
I’m awarded when the ball passes the boundary after bouncing from a hit that didn’t reach the rope on the full. What am I?
Answer: Four runs
Player Profile Riddles
How well do you know some of cricket’s most legendary players?
Riddle 19
I am the leading run scorer in women’s international cricket and scored a double century in 2012. Who am I?
Answer: Mithali Raj
Riddle 20
We both compete for the record of highest wickets in test matches with over 600 wickets each. Can you name both of us?
Answer: Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne
Riddle 21
I’m considered one of the greatest all-rounders, having scored over 18,000 runs and taken over 400 wickets in ODI cricket alone. Who am I?
Answer: Jacques Kallis
General Cricket Trivia Riddles
Here are some general cricket riddles to challenge your knowledge:
Riddle 22
Cricket originated from a game called creag in which European country in the medieval times?
Answer: England
Riddle 23
Name the only cricketer to score 100 international hundreds across formats.
Answer: Sachin Tendulkar
Riddle 24
Which country has won the Cricket World Cup the most number of times?
Answer: Australia (5 times)
Tricky Cricket Riddles
Think you know cricket inside and out? Try these tricky cricket riddles:
Riddle 25
The batsman hits the ball over long-on where a fielder catches the ball but his hat falls off. He takes the catch, picks up his hat and throws the ball back. How is the batter ruled?
Answer: Not out. The ball is ruled dead as soon as the hat touches the ground.
Riddle 26
How is it possible to be out leg before wicket (LBW) even if the ball pitches outside leg stump?
Answer: If the batter moves outside his crease and misses a ball pitching outside leg, he can still be given out LBW.
Riddle 27
Why is a batter not ruled out if the wicket keeper fumbles the ball and breaks the wicket?
Answer: The ball needs to be in the wicket keeper’s hands while breaking the wicket, otherwise it’s not a valid dismissal.
One-line Cricket Riddles
How about some one-line cricket riddles?
Riddle 28
I stay protected in the famous MCC at Lord’s. What am I?
Answer: The Ashes urn (with burnt bails)
Riddle 29
I’m the only cricketer to take all 10 wickets in a limited over international match. Who am I?
Answer: Chaminda Vaas
Riddle 30
Sachin scored the first double century in ODIs against which country?
Answer: South Africa
Number Riddles
Test your knowledge with these numerical cricket riddles:
Riddle 31
Glenn McGrath dismissed me a record 19 times in test matches. Who am I?
Answer: Michael Atherton
Riddle 32
I conceded 6 sixes in an over at 2007 World Cup against Herschelle Gibbs. Name me.
Answer: Daan van Bunge
Riddle 33
Brian Lara holds the record for highest score of 400 not out in Tests. Who is the only other player to score 400 runs?
Answer: Donald Bradman
Picture Riddles
Can you solve these picture riddles related to famous cricket moments?
Riddle 34
This dismissal is named after a fast food. What is it called?
Answer: Hit wicket or burger dismissal
Riddle 35
I’m an illegal bowling action where the bowler straightens their elbow mid-delivery. What term describes me?
Answer: Throwing or chucking
Riddle 36
Virat is good at hitting me out of the park. What shot is he playing?
Answer: Pull shot
Rhyming Riddles
Solve these cricket riddles that rhyme:
Riddle 37
I’m a fielder who stands behind, to catch the balls that loop and wind.
Answer: Third man
Riddle 38
Whether googlies or chin music galore, landing on the pitch I even the score.
Answer: Crease
Riddle 39
With red eyes staring from beneath my cap, I await every ball to try snap.
Answer: Wicketkeeper
Funny Cricket Riddles
Lastly, try these humorous cricket riddles:
Riddle 40
We are named after an insect and refer to the stand-in fielding players. What are we called?
Answer: The twelfth man or the flies
Riddle 41
When Australian cricketer David Boon scored a century, what food and drink did he consume during the celebration that night?
Answer: 52 cans of beer
