Abstract:
The article is devoted to the analysis of the historical origins, technical and tactical features, and educational potential of cricket as one of the most popular sports in the world. The relevance of integrating this sport into the system of physical education and professional training of specialists in physical culture and sports is substantiated. The multidimensional nature of cricket is revealed as a sporting, cultural, and educational phenomenon that contributes to the development of physical, psychological, and social competencies. The main stages of cricket’s evolution from a folk pastime to a modern global phenomenon are outlined, the structure and rules of the game are analyzed, and the technical and tactical features of players’ activity in different roles are characterized. A comparative analysis of the three main formats (Test Match, One Day International, Twenty20) is proposed, which makes it possible to trace differences in dynamics, duration, and target audience. It is emphasized that the educational potential of cricket lies in the formation of communication skills, strategic thinking, emotional resilience, and the ability to work in a team, which corresponds to modern educational strategies for developing “soft skills.” The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using cricket as a tool for expanding the range of team sports in the educational process, as well as in the professional training of future specialists in physical culture. Prospects for further research are related to the adaptation of cricket training methods for different levels of education and the comparison of its effectiveness with traditional team sports
