The gentle hum of willow striking leather, the anticipation as the ball soars across the field, the collective gasp as it’s caught, or the triumphant cheer as it crosses the boundary—these are the moments that define the game of cricket.
The equipment that makes these moments possible is seeing a surge in demand, with the Global Cricket Equipment Market projected to grow from USD 634.80 Million in 2023 to USD 1137.8 Million by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.01%.
Market Overview
Cricket, a game played fervently from the village greens of England to the bustling streets of India, relies heavily on quality equipment. From protective gear like helmets, pads, gloves, and guards to essential tools like bats, balls, stumps, and bails—the cricket equipment market is vast and varied.
The market is further propelled by factors such as the availability of diverse raw materials, trend consciousness, product innovation, endorsements by cricketing legends, and an overall increased interest in the sport.
Market Segmentation
The market is segmented based on product type, price point, distribution channel, and end-user. The ‘bats’ segment is expected to hold the lion’s share due to their indispensable role in the game. In terms of price point, the ‘medium’ segment is predicted to dominate, offering a balanced mix of quality and affordability. Sports retail stores are expected to be the most preferred distribution channel, offering consumers the opportunity to physically test the equipment before purchasing.
Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific is anticipated to dominate the global cricket equipment market, with countries like India, Australia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka harbouring a massive cricket fan base. Europe is also expected to witness considerable growth, spurred by increasing investments in the sport.
Competitive Landscape
Key market players include Gunn & Moore, Beat All Sports, Sanspareils Greenlands, Kookaburra, Blankbats, Sommers, Kippax Willow Limited Company, Bradbury, Spartan Sports, Gray-Nicolls, Puma, Salix Cricket Bat Co. Ltd., Slazenger, Sareen Sports Industries, Adidas, and others.
Recent Developments
Recent developments in the market include collaborations between cricket teams and sports brands. For instance, in September 2021, Royal Challengers Bangalore RCB from the Indian Premier League IPL partnered with PUMA to launch a new athleisure collection.
Conclusion
As cricket continues to capture hearts worldwide, the demand for quality equipment is set to rise. The market is expected to cross the $1137.8 million mark by 2033, marking a significant milestone in the cricket equipment industry.
Picture credit: CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
