Despite not being equally popular around the world, cricket is a sport where something is always happening. Domestic and international competitions span nearly every part of the year, particularly in Commonwealth nations and across South and Southeast Asia. Whether it is franchise T20 leagues, women’s tournaments, or multi team global events, fans have little downtime. When one domestic league finishes, another one starts, Test series and ODIs happen all the time, and there are the obligatory biannual or quadrennial international cups.
Below is a look at several of the key tournaments scheduled to take place by the end of 2025 and into early 2026, where they will be held, when they run, the venues, and the teams involved. Considering it is a rising sport in many regions, it makes sense for the fans to keep in touch with the yearly schedule so they can always know what comes next. With the winter months soon arriving in the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere gets its summer, which is why this list features cricketing countries like South Africa and Australia
2025 CSA T20 Challenge
This domestic T20 competition in South Africa, organised by Cricket South Africa, started on 29 October and runs until 30 November 2025. The tournament features 8 participating teams and is structured around a round robin followed by knockout phases. Venues are spread across South Africa’s major cricket grounds. The league gives domestic players a competitive T20 platform ahead of the busy calendar of global franchise leagues. As of right now, Boland is the 1st in the standings with 4 wins and 0 losses. The South African season is in full swing right now, so check out Stake cricket odds if you are keen on sports wagering. Cricket is a great betting sport!
2025-26 CSA 4 Day Series
In South Africa, the domestic first class competition, hosted by Cricket South Africa (CSA), began on 25 September 2025 and will last until 22 February 2026. This is a division based league, Division 1 and Division 2, with 15 participating teams across both tiers. Matches take place at traditional South African venues such as Newlands in Cape Town, SuperSport Park in Centurion, and the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Though not a franchise league, this long format competition is a cornerstone of the South African cricketing calendar and a breeding ground for Test talent.
2025-26 CSA One Day Cup
Also in South Africa, this List A tournament runs from 21 February to 29 March 2026. It features 16 provincial teams, playing 60 total matches under a round robin system, followed by an always exciting knockout stage. The venues are spread across South Africa, with matches taking place in cities like Durban, Potchefstroom, and Bloemfontein. This competition is a great domestic stage for players to develop in the 50 over format and offers selectors a look at form and consistency ahead of international fixtures.
2026 National T20 Cup
In Pakistan, the domestic T20 Cup is organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). It will be on schedule from 1 March to 12 March 2026 and will be held primarily at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. The format will include ten regional teams, beginning with a qualifying stage and followed by a Super 10 round robin phase leading into the knockouts. The competition offers local players the opportunity to impress ahead of the Pakistan Super League, maintaining a steady rhythm of domestic T20 cricket just before the international calendar intensifies.
2025-26 Big Bash League
Australia’s marquee franchise T20 competition starts on 14 December 2025 and finishes on 25 January 2026. The brisk action of just over a month is some of the best cricket on the planet. The league features eight teams: Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, and Sydney Thunder. Matches are held across Australia’s iconic venues such as Adelaide Oval, the Gabba, MCG, SCG, and Optus Stadium in Perth. The Big Bash League has established itself as one of the most popular domestic T20 competitions in the world, with strong fan engagement, explosive cricket, and holiday season scheduling that draws large crowds. Remember, it is summer Down Under at this time of year!
2026 SA20
South Africa’s premier T20 league, known as the SA20, will begin on 26 December 2025 and conclude on 25 January 2026. Sunrisers Eastern Cape, MI Cape Town, Durban Super Giants, Pretoria Capitals, Paarl Royals, and Joburg Super Kings are the six competing franchises. The league’s venues include Newlands in Cape Town, Kingsmead in Durban, the Wanderers in Johannesburg, SuperSport Park in Centurion, Boland Park in Paarl, and St George’s Park in Gqeberha. SA20 has rapidly grown in global stature since its inception. It combines South African talent with international stars and provides high quality cricket during the Southern Hemisphere summer, primetime for their cricket to take place.
Most Popular Cricket Leagues and Tournaments: FAQs and Facts
- What are the most popular cricket tournaments in the world?
The most popular cricket tournaments globally include the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, Indian Premier League (IPL), The Ashes, Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Asia Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and The Hundred. Each of these tournaments holds a distinct place in cricket culture and appeals to different formats and fan bases. For example, the ICC Cricket World Cup is the pinnacle of One Day Internationals (ODIs), while the IPL revolutionized franchise T20 cricket by combining international stars with local talent. The Ashes, meanwhile, is one of the oldest rivalries in sports, a matchup that symbolizes the deep history and tradition of Test cricket.
- How often is the ICC Cricket World Cup held, and what makes it so prestigious?
The ICC Cricket World Cup is held every four years and is considered the ultimate prize in One Day International cricket. It features the world’s best national teams competing over several weeks, culminating in a grand final. The prestige of the World Cup lies not only in the title itself but also in its history and global following. Winning nations like Australia, India, and the West Indies have built legacies around their triumphs and are known worldwide for it. The tournament has produced iconic moments such as India’s 1983 victory, Sri Lanka’s fairytale win in 1996, and England’s dramatic Super Over triumph in 2019. Its global reach and emotional resonance make it the most watched and celebrated cricket event.
- What makes the ICC T20 World Cup unique compared to the ODI World Cup?
The ICC T20 World Cup is a faster paced, more explosive version of the World Cup since it focuses on the Twenty20 (T20) format. Held every two years, it showcases cricket’s shortest international form, which lasts just around three hours per match. This condensed format attracts new audiences, especially younger fans, because it combines power hitting, innovative bowling, and thrilling finishes. Teams like West Indies, England, and India have dominated in different eras, demonstrating how the beloved new format rewards creativity and adaptability. The tournament’s unpredictable nature, where even underdogs can defeat giants, adds to its entertainment value. The fact that it comes twice as often as the other World Cup also helps with its popularity.
- Why is the Ashes series between England and Australia so special?
The Ashes is one of the oldest and most respected rivalries in cricket as a whole. Dating back to 1882, when Australia defeated England at The Oval, it prompted a satirical obituary claiming that English cricket had “died” and “the ashes” would be taken to Australia. The urn became a symbol of this rivalry. Played in the historically important Test format, The Ashes is a five match series alternating between England and Australia roughly every two years. What makes it truly special is the blend of history, national pride, and unforgettable performances. From Don Bradman’s brilliance to modern duels between Ben Stokes and Pat Cummins, it is one of the year’s biggest and most anticipated events, even outside of the two countries. The Ashes encapsulates cricket’s traditional charm and its fierce competitive spirit.
- How did the Indian Premier League (IPL) change modern cricket?
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has revolutionized the cricketing world by merging sports, entertainment, and business on a global scale. It popularized franchise cricket, where international and domestic players join city based teams like the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Similar to other pro sports leagues elsewhere in the world, the league’s auction system, high salaries, and celebrity ownership have made it a commercial powerhouse. Beyond finances, the IPL has transformed player development and given young Indian cricketers exposure alongside legends like MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers. Its success inspired similar leagues worldwide and therefore reshaped how cricket is consumed and marketed.
- What are the main features of the Big Bash League (BBL)?
The Big Bash League, Australia’s domestic T20 competition, was launched in 2011 and quickly became one of the world’s most entertaining leagues. Known for its family friendly atmosphere and festive appeal, the BBL emphasizes entertainment as much as performance. Its franchises, like the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars, attract strong crowds and broadcast viewership. The league has also been a breeding ground for emerging Australian talent and a pathway to international cricket. The BBL’s innovations with the Bash Boost point and Power Surge also reflect its commitment to evolving the T20 format for modern audiences. It is now the second most popular T20 domestic league, right after the IPL.
- How does the Pakistan Super League (PSL) contribute to Pakistan’s cricket revival?
The Pakistan Super League, launched in 2016, has become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing identity. Initially held in the UAE due to security concerns, the PSL gradually returned to Pakistan and reignited the country’s passion for hosting international cricket. It has boosted Pakistan’s talent pool and bolstered its ranks with players like Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan. The PSL’s mix of competitiveness and fan enthusiasm has not only improved domestic cricket standards but also enhanced Pakistan’s global image as a cricket loving nation capable of organizing world class tournaments and going head to head with the best.
- What role does the Asia Cup play in regional cricket rivalries?
The Asia Cup, organized by the Asian Cricket Council, is the only continental championship in the sport. It alternates between ODI and T20 formats depending on the global calendar. The tournament is famous for intense matches, especially between India and Pakistan, which capture millions of viewers across the continent. Apart from the rivalry factor, the Asia Cup fosters regional unity and allows the developing teams like Afghanistan and Bangladesh exposure against more experienced sides. It also serves as a crucial preparatory event before global tournaments, making it both symbolic and strategically significant. It holds immense value for the continent, especially South and Southeast Asia, where cricket dominates.
- What was the significance of the ICC Champions Trophy?
The ICC Champions Trophy, often referred to as the “Mini World Cup,” was held intermittently between 1998 and 2017. Unlike the World Cup, it featured fewer teams and would create a more compact and competitive format. It became known for producing thrilling cricket due to its high stakes and shorter duration. Memorable moments include India’s joint win with Sri Lanka in 2002 and Pakistan’s stunning victory over India in 2017. Although now discontinued, the Champions Trophy remains fondly remembered for its intensity and for bridging the gap between the longer World Cup cycles. The T20 cup now fills this side of it.
- What is The Hundred, and how is it shaping the future of cricket?
The Hundred, launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021, is an innovative 100 ball format designed to attract new audiences and further simplify the game. Each team faces 100 balls, resulting in shorter matches that last around two and a half hours, about an hour shorter than an average T20 matchup. It incorporates unique features such as mixed gender promotion, franchise branding, and a focus on entertainment. While traditionalists were skeptical, The Hundred has successfully drawn younger fans and families to stadiums. It also provides another platform for English and international players to showcase their skills, which in turn signals cricket’s ongoing evolution toward more inclusive and audience friendly formats.
