Cricket is one of the most exciting sports played today, primarily because of newer game formats like T20 that bring even more action to a match. As such, the sport attracts incredible players, is responsible for nail-biting games, and has a massive following worldwide.
With all of this, it is inevitable that the game also involves a degree of politics, drama on behalf of the athletes, and some scandals that fans can’t wait to learn the truth about. Thankfully, cricket documentaries usually delve into these things while also showcasing the sport itself.
If you’re a cricket fan, there are some films that you just can’t not watch. As such, we recommend you immediately carve out some time in your schedule to enjoy the following cricket documentaries.
The Man Who Bought Cricket
Released in 2022, The Man Who Bought Cricket follows the story of Allen Stanford and his massive fall from grace after being an incredibly generous benefactor of the sport.
Born in Texas, Allen became massively wealthy and decided to sponsor West Indian cricket. The crescendo of this sponsorship was a $20 million prize pool that he sponsored for a single game between England and a group of West Indians known as the Stanford Superstars.
However, while this generosity gained him much praise, the truth behind his fortune brought his house of cards tumbling down. Identified as the kingpin in a fraudulent investment scheme, Allen lost everything, including the respect of the cricketing community, before ultimately ending up in prison for his crimes.
Fire in Babylon
Released in 2010, Fire in Babylon showcases the incredible story of the West Indies national cricket team. Focusing specifically on their astonishing rise to fame between the 1970s and 1980s, the story highlights the change in behavior of the local team and how it brought about success.
With stock footage of real matches from the era and interviews with players who took part in the historical games, the documentary plays at the heart string of whoever watches it.
Aside from being factual, it portrays an inspiring story of how the new team decided to change how they play. Starting out as entertaining but not very proficient, the players worked hard to hone their skills and became a team at the forefront of cricketing popularity.
Death of a Gentleman
While many regard cricket as the sport of gentlemen, this 2015 documentary uncovers the truth that, sometimes, even gentlemen know how to manipulate things for their personal gain. Especially those that are trusted most.
The documentary follows two journalists who risk it all to venture deep into how the sport is structured and governed by three of the most prominent cricket associations in the world: Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The journalists uncover how these sporting giants have been amending the governance of this historic sport for their gain—both for money and power. Also highlighted is that these gains often came to other smaller nations’ detriment.
Out of the Ashes
Having nothing to do with the legendary Ashes tournament, this documentary follows the sad yet inspiring story of the national team of Afghanistan. It was released in 2010 and showed the struggles of a team from a war-torn country.
Highlighting the troubles they faced being from Afghanistan, the film focuses on how the national team desired to participate in the 2010 ICC World T20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Aside from their struggles in getting into the coveted tournaments, the film also brings into stark relief the passion this young team has for the sport, despite their less-than-ideal circumstances.
Roar of the Lion
MS Dhoni is one of the most loved cricketers to play for the country, and Roar of the Lion reveals his opinion and experiences in 2018 as the Chennai Super Kings returned to playing.
While sports wagers are a common way to bet on cricket games, things went too far for this team in 2013, leading to them being banned from playing due to spot-fixing allegations. However, the ban was only in place for two years.
The documentary goes behind the scenes and brings to life the effects of a few players’ actions on the whole team. However, it also shows the hope of a team eager to reclaim its place in the Indian Premier League.
The Test: A New Era for Australia’s Team
This eight-part documentary series follows the return of the Australian national cricketing team to the world stage after an embarrassing season against South Africa in 2018. While the series may be long, it offers a unique, in-depth look into the team dynamics.
With a new captain and coach, the series looks at how the team focuses on its playing style and ways to regain its spot as one of the best cricketing teams. However, things aren’t always so easy or rosy.
With exclusive footage from places like inside the team’s dressing rooms, the series shows how coach Justin Langer handled the team and how the team tried endlessly to ensure they wouldn’t make the same mistakes again. The series, released in 2020, is a must-watch for Australian cricket fans.
The Edge
There is no denying that from 2009 until 2013, the English cricket team was one of the best and a clear favorite on the world cricket stage. However, as well as the team did on the field, things did not often gel off the field.
This documentary, released in 2019, follows the trials and tribulations of the team, including the scandals that followed captain Kevin Pietersen and his eventual resignation from the sport after an argument with coach Peter Moores.
Featuring scenes from within the team’s locker room, interviews, and opinions of fellow teammates, it highlights the strained relationships behind the scenes and the trials the team had to endure, even while performing brilliantly on the cricket field.
