What Age Is Too Late To Start Cricket? (And The Best Age)

Although Cricket is a gentleman’s game, it involves strenuous exercises which are very taxing. Also, the game requires a high level of concentration and persistent training. But if you have the right kit, such as a wooden cricket set, you will enjoy playing the game.  Note that Cricket requires a great deal of physical and mental preparedness. It, therefore, comes with plenty of health benefits to the player.  But what age is right for anyone that wants to start playing Cricket?

The age of 19 is considered too late to start cricket. However,  if the player is committed to investing most of his time practicing, they will likely catch up with their counterparts who may have started playing cricket early in their lives.  

Besides acquiring the skill, when children start playing Cricket at a tender age, it helps them reinforce muscular tissues, burn calories and enhance electric motor abilities. As they continue playing the game, it enhances hand-to-eye coordination and makes them adaptable. Also, playing the game enhances concentration and sharpens their agility. Read on to learn more about playing Cricket.

Which Age Is Considered Too Old To Start Playing Cricket?

You can start playing Cricket at any age. However, age 19 is perhaps the oldest age one can start playing Cricket. At this age, one is still agile, and you can easily master the antics of Cricket. However, you may not be eligible to join your junior cricket team. But you can still join a local cricket side and hone your skills.

Can I Learn Cricket At 15?

If you did not start playing Cricket when you were 5-7 years, you need not worry. At 15, you can still learn how to play Cricket. With proper training, you can get a chance to join the national junior side to propel you to the national team.

When it comes to playing Cricket, what matters most is the amount of practice you put into it. Luckily, you get an opportunity to join a local junior side at this age, which will give you further exposure and help sharpen your skill.

Luckily most of the senior teams have junior counterparts that help in nurturing talent. These are teams B and C, which may feature players below age 19. They use the teams to give younger and newer players new skills and help them gather experience.

But whether you start playing Cricket at the age of 15 or more, you will need to put in serious training and practice to help you build the key skills to enable you to become a good batsman.  Most teams run practice sessions that last about 1-2 hours but are critical in assisting them to get more skilled. 

When you start playing Cricket at the age of 15, you are likely to join players who started playing the game at five or more. These are experienced players from whom you will need to copy and learn cricketing skills from. They will also help you to settle down fast and acquire the skills you need to get started.

You will need to organize and practice batting at home and go through some advanced drills to help you acquire the bating techniques.  If you have watched others play and understand the game’s rules, you will find it easy to bowl and bat, and you will also find it easier to follow your teammates’ guidelines.

What Are The Best Ages For A Kid To Start Playing Cricket?

As more and more people get into Cricket, we must understand how players will fair their own if they start playing Cricket at different ages.

The launch of T20 leagues, including BBL and IPL, means that many players all over the world can now earn a living from playing Cricket.  Because of this, many parents are now wondering which the best age to play Cricket is.

Age 5-7

It is considered the best age to introduce your child to Cricket. You may start by introducing them to watching the game to help them develop an interest in the game. You may then introduce professional coaching when they hit age 8-10, and it will help nature and identify the skill they get inclined to.

If the child is not into the game, the physical training they receive will still benefit them.  Note that exposing the kid to Cricket when they are less than five years may not help much. Kids are yet to start conceptualizing things at this age, so you must wait until they are 5 and 7 years old.

However, you can start teaching them the basics when they are five years of age. Provide the needed equipment to help ignite the curiosity in them. It makes and motivates them to start seeking answers about the game. By the time they are seven years old, they should know the basic cricketing rules such as fielding, runs, and wickets. However, avoid teaching them complex rules like the LBW. Their minds are still growing, so if you force them to learn too much, it may make them hate the game.

Related: Are Cricketers Accompanied By Children When They Come Out?

The age of 8-12 years T

his is the right age for parents to encourage their children to play Cricket. The parent should provide professional coaching which can help the children hone their skills. Children will start getting used to the cricket movement and master the basic cricket activities. It is the best age to start assisting children in developing an interest in Cricket. 

At age 12

It is easier for the kid to level up and match the skill other children may have acquired.  Also, it gets the child introduced to the importance of fitness activities which allow them to be innovative.

15-19 years

This is the age at which coaches nurture players. It is at teenage that a player becomes competitive and starts to showcase their talent. If they are consistent, they get noticed and join any of the top cricket sides in the world. Also, they have an opportunity to get called to the national side.

At this point, we can say that a kid can start playing Cricket as soon as they reach 5-7 years. It helps them master and practice the rules that they can perfect when they reach age 15-18. However, if the child did not get an opportunity to play Cricket for some reason, they may start playing it at age 19. Beyond this age, it may be too late for them to play Cricket.