The origins of cricket trace back to 16th-century England, where it began as a rural pastime. The earliest recorded reference dates to 1598, with the sport gaining popularity among children before spreading to adults. By the 17th century, cricket had become a structured game with defined rules, notably formalized in the 18th century with the establishment of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1787. The MCC's Laws of Cricket laid the foundation for the modern game, standardizing elements like pitch dimensions, bat shapes, and scoring systems.
The British Empire played a crucial role in cricket's globalization. As colonial powers expanded, they introduced the sport to regions such as India, Australia, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Local adaptations and rivalries emerged, infusing the game with regional flavors. The first recorded international cricket match took place in 1844 between the USA and Canada, but it was England's tour of Australia in 1876-77 that marked the beginning of Test cricket, the sport's longest and most traditional format.