By some statistics, cricket is the 2nd most popular sport in the world. However, most of the fans are located in India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and are not in Europe. The only major power in cricket from the Old Continent is the country where the game itself, originates from – United Kingdom. It has no shortage of professionals and leagues with intense competition. One of which is Bradford Premier Cricket League. In this blog, we’ll introduce the history of the league, current format, teams, how to watch the games and betting opportunities.
History and Start of the Bradford Cricket League
As a semi-professional sporting organisation, the Bradford Cricket League has a very long history. It was established all the way back in 1903. The name comes from the founding history, originating from a meeting at the Queens Hotel in Bradford.
The league was initially formed by clubs from the West Bradford League, including notable teams such as Allerton, Clayton, Great Horton, Lidget Green, Manningham Mills, Queensbury, and Thornton.
Over the years, this league has been a place for talent development. It has produced players who have gone on to achieve significant success in county and international cricket. For instance Herbert Sutcliffe – first cricketer to score 16 centuries in Test Match Cricket. The right-hand batsman praised the league for its high standards comparable to county cricket.
Current Format of the Bradford Cricket League
The Bradford Cricket League currently has four divisions. Just like with football, there are promotion and relegation systems to maintain competitive balance and excitement for athletes, fans and sponsors. The top division is the Premier League, followed by the Championship, Division Two, and Division Three.
The table of Premier League as of start of June, 2024.
Teams play home and away matches. Points are awarded based on their performance. The points system rewards wins and give bonuses for batting and bowling achievements. Such a system allows for a very dynamic table.
The league houses numerous teams with rich histories and local rivalries. Prominent clubs include Woodlands CC, who have dominated recent seasons, winning back-to-back-to-back (2021, 2022, 2023). Other notable teams are Pudsey St Lawrence, Bradford & Bingley, and Hanging Heaton, each with their storied past and loyal fan base.
Since 2003, the most successful teams have been:
- Woodlands CC – 10 titles
- Pudsey St Lawrence – 3 titles
- Cleckheaton – 2 titles
- Pudsey Congs – 3 titles
How to Watch the Bradford Cricket League?
You can follow each club on social media, check with your local broadcasters and go to the league’s official website to find out about streaming or broadcasts.
Fans of the Bradford Cricket League can watch the games live at various cricket grounds across West Yorkshire. Each club has its ground, so you can start supporting your local cricketeers or find the most exciting competition.
Betting Opportunities
Betting on cricket can increase the excitement for anyone involved. Fans usually place bets on match winners, top run-scorers, and wicket-takers. The league’s competitive nature and unpredictable matches make it an exciting option for bettors. Don’t forget to do your research on team form, h2h history and other factors that could influence results.