Is Indoor Cricket the Next Big Thing in South Asia?
Cricket has long existed in South Asia as more than just a sport.

Cricket has always been more than just a sport in South Asia—it’s a passion, a culture, and a way of life. From international stadiums to dusty village fields, the game dominates conversations and lifestyles across Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
But as 2025 unfolds, a new format of cricket is rapidly gaining attention: indoor cricket. Fast-paced, weather-proof, and perfectly suited for urban lifestyles, indoor cricket is shaping up to be the next big trend in South Asian sports.
What Makes Indoor Cricket Different?
While it borrows elements from traditional cricket, indoor cricket has its own distinct style and rules:
-
Played on a smaller enclosed court, usually half the size of a standard cricket ground.
-
Surrounded by nets or walls that are in play, creating new strategies and shot options.
-
Teams usually have 6–8 players instead of 11.
-
Batting is done in pairs, each facing a set number of overs.
-
When a wicket falls, runs are deducted instead of the player being out.
This unique scoring system encourages consistency, quick reflexes, and smart shot selection. The result? A faster, more exciting game that keeps players and spectators hooked.
Why Indoor Cricket is Growing in 2025
Several factors are pushing indoor cricket into the spotlight across South Asia, especially in Pakistan:
-
Weather-Proof Gameplay – Smog, rain, and extreme heat often disrupt outdoor matches. Indoor cricket solves this by being playable year-round in climate-controlled venues.
-
Fast-Paced Action – Shorter attention spans and digital habits mean fans want more action per minute. Indoor cricket delivers with quick matches and constant excitement.
-
Accessibility – Unlike full cricket stadiums, indoor setups only need nets, a court, and basic gear. Schools, colleges, and gyms can host matches with minimal investment.
-
Digital & Streaming Appeal – Indoor matches are short, dynamic, and easy to record or stream online, making them attractive to sponsors and sports content creators.
In many ways, indoor cricket is a sport built for the modern age—urban, fast, and media-friendly
Where to Play Indoor Cricket in Pakistan
Indoor cricket is no longer just a niche hobby. Dedicated venues and courts are now emerging across major cities.
-
Universities – Several Pakistani universities have already added indoor cricket to their sports programs.
-
Gyms & Sports Complexes – Private gyms in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad now feature multi-sport courts that include indoor cricket setups.
-
Public Indoor Arenas – Some sports facilities offer indoor cricket alongside volleyball and football, making it part of the city’s recreational culture.
This wider availability means that more young players have the opportunity to engage with cricket year-round, regardless of weather or location.
Could Indoor Cricket Feed into PSL?
With the Pakistan Super League (PSL) becoming one of the world’s most celebrated T20 tournaments, many wonder if indoor cricket could act as a training ground for future PSL stars.
-
The format sharpens reflexes, agility, and big-hitting skills.
-
Players who thrive under the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of indoor cricket are often well-suited for T20 cricket.
-
Social media and street cricket have already become scouting hubs—formal indoor leagues could be the next big recruitment platform.
This evolution could bridge grassroots cricket with professional leagues, opening doors for untapped talent across Pakistan.
A Regional Sporting Revolution
Indoor cricket is not just growing in Pakistan—it’s spreading across India, Bangladesh, and the Middle East. With private investors, schools, and sports franchises taking interest, the game could soon become South Asia’s next major sporting export.
The uniform rules and leagues emerging in 2025 are helping to formalize the sport, making it easier for newcomers and organizations to adopt. If the trend continues, indoor cricket could one day rival traditional formats in popularity/
Conclusion
As urban landscapes shift and climate concerns rise, indoor cricket is emerging as a perfect solution for South Asian sports culture. It is affordable, exciting, accessible, and year-round, making it more than just a passing fad.
Whether you are a cricket fan, a student looking for new opportunities, or simply curious about Pakistan’s evolving sports scene, one thing is clear: indoor cricket in 2025 is not just a game—it’s a revolution in the making.
If current growth continues, indoor cricket could very well become the next big sporting phenomenon in South Asia.