The National Cricket Census, compiled by CA, found that 1,311,184 people played cricket across Australia in 2015-16, an 8.5 per cent increase on 2014-15, while female participation rates increased by 9 percent to 314,936 players. CA chief executive officer James Sutherland said the growth and interest associated with both the male and female versions of the Big Bash League had pushed growth in cricket participation. "The Women's Big Bash League also achieved impressive results in just its first season. Sutherland added that he expects the figures to grow again over the 2016/17 summer as the Big Bash League prepares to enter its sixth year. "Cricket is clearly the sport of choice for many Australians and we're proud to be billed as one of the biggest participation sports in the country," Sutherland said.

Source: India Today August 24, 2016 09:11 UTC