Books for cricket fans to keep up the excitement until the main tournament next year!
Cricket fever is in the air as the IPL 2025 auction just concluded, promising another season of thrilling action with players settling into their new and old teams. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a global phenomenon, captivating fans with its mix of glamour, talent, and unmatched entertainment. But the IPL is more than just a cricket tournament—it’s a revolution that has redefined the sport itself.
From its humble beginnings to the glitzy spectacle it is today, cricket’s journey is as fascinating as the game itself. The introduction of the T20 format has transformed cricket into a fast-paced, globally appealing event, sparking curiosity even among those who weren’t fans before. The IPL auction, with its drama and high stakes, is now as eagerly awaited as the matches themselves.
Wondering how cricket evolved into this cultural and economic powerhouse? Dive into these books for cricket fans to explore the history of cricket, the rise of T20, and the business of the game. Whether you’re a history buff, a T20 fanatic, or curious about the business behind cricket, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Books About Cricket
By S Giridhar & VJ Raghunath
In short: Seamless blend of technical insights, cultural stories for fans and the newbies.
This book is a delightful collection of essays by cricket-lovers S Giridhar and VJ Raghunath. It combines humour, cricketing theories, and anecdotes to explore the sport’s rich history. The essays touch on everything from Kapil Dev’s aggressive batting to the magical fielding of Eknath Solkar and modern cricket’s use of video analytics. The book celebrates legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, offers illuminating conversations with thinkers like Rahul Dravid, and even dives into Mahatma Gandhi’s connections with cricket.
By Surjit S. Bhalla & Ankur Choudhary
In short: A fascinating read for those who see cricket as both art and science.
A game-changer for fans who enjoy the stats and strategy of the game, this book delves into data-driven analyses to explore what makes cricket less uncertain than it appears. It examines the greatest players, uncovers who thrives under pressure, and predicts future champions. With a focus on ODI cricket, it teaches readers how to evaluate batting and bowling performances symmetrically and even predict match outcomes. Written with casual fans and analysts in mind, it breaks down complex statistics into intriguing truths.
By Sundaram Venkat
In short: A must-read book for cricket fans who want to explore India’s cricketing heritage.
With a foreword by Rahul Dravid, this book is a tribute to Indian cricket’s evolution since its first Test match in 1932. It recounts milestone moments such as the 1983 and 2011 World Cup victories, the rise of the IPL, and the superfit cricketers of today. Featuring essays by leading cricket writers, it celebrates legends like Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, and Virat Kohli while chronicling the growth of women’s cricket and world-class infrastructure. This compilation of anecdotes and reflections captures cricket’s journey as both a game and a cultural phenomenon.
By Abhishek Mukherjee & Joy Bhattacharjya
In short: This book is perfect for trivia lovers and fans of fun cricket stories.
An entertaining read that brings together fascinating cricket trivia and quirky anecdotes. From Sania Mirza’s surprising cricketing connections to Sachin Tendulkar’s name being given to a spider, the book offers a rollercoaster ride through cricket’s eccentricities. It highlights memorable players, iconic stadiums, and crazy fans while mixing humour with compelling stories. The book offers surprising nuggets about endorsements, commentators, and even the quirks of cricket fandom.
By Vijay Santhanam & Shyam Balasubramanian
In short: Essential reading for those intrigued by the intersection of cricket, branding, and business.
This incisive book unravels the rise of cricket as a marketing behemoth in India. Vijay Santhanam and Shyam Balasubramanian explore how sports marketing evolved, from Sunil Gavaskar’s entrepreneurial flair to the billion-dollar IPL revolution. It covers the growth of endorsements, the influence of TV, and the role of competing brands in shaping cricket’s commercial landscape. With insights from two seasoned sports marketers, it highlights how cricket’s popularity transcended sports to become a major economic force.
By Guruprasad K.R.
In short: A heartfelt tribute to cricket’s democratizing power for fans of inspiring grassroots stories.
This inspiring book shines a light on small-town cricketers who defied the odds to make it to the national stage. It tells the stories of players like MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, and Suresh Raina, who transitioned from humble beginnings to IPL riches and international fame. Their journeys, filled with determination and hard work, reveal the challenges of breaking into a game dominated by metropolitan elites. The book celebrates the grassroots heroes of Indian cricket, proving that talent and perseverance can overcome any barrier.
By Tim Wigmore & Freddie Wilde
In short: For fans of the T20 format of the game.
Published in 2019, this book explores how T20 cricket transformed the sport forever. It uncovers the format’s roots, from its narrow acceptance by the Marylebone Cricket Club to its current global dominance through leagues like the IPL. The book analyses why teams like Chennai Super Kings thrive, while others like Royal Challengers Bangalore struggle. With insights from cricket analysts and a focus on players like Chris Gayle and Rashid Khan, it’s a fascinating look at the future of cricket.
By Rajdeep Sardesai
In short: A must-read book for cricket fans for those who see cricket as more than just a game.
Rajdeep Sardesai explores the societal impact of cricket in this compelling book, narrating the evolution of the game through the lives of eleven extraordinary Indian cricketers. From Dilip Sardesai to MS Dhoni, these players’ journeys mirror India’s transformation into a confident, meritocratic nation. The book also examines cricket’s colonial legacy, Gandhi’s disapproval of the game, and its eventual rise as a unifying force.
In short: Perfect for the globetrotters of cricket.
This visually stunning book celebrates iconic cricket stadiums across five continents, from the hallowed Lord’s in England to the vibrant Eden Gardens in India. Packed with historical anecdotes, scorecards, and striking photographs, it offers readers a tour of the most famous venues where cricket history was made. Accompanied by articles from The Times about unforgettable matches, this is a treat for cricket fans who cherish the sport’s legendary settings.
By H. Thomas Richard
In short: Celebrating the human drama behind cricket with character-driven stories.
Cricketing Lives takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the rich and character-filled history of cricket. Meet legends like W.G. Grac, K.S. Ranjitsinghji and Don Bradman, alongside his controversial rival Douglas Jardine. Relive the elegance of Tiger Pataudi, the dominance of Viv Richards, and the genius of all-rounders like Gary Sobers, Imran Khan, and Kapil Dev. Players like Sarah Taylor and Harmanpreet Kaur demonstrate the revolutionary rise of women’s cricket.
If you loved these books for cricket fans, then you willalso love recommended books on the IPL: Score Big With These Must-Read Books for Every IPL Fan
