Cricket may not look as “high contact” as football, but it’s one of the most injury-prone sports especially for players who train regularly, play long matches, or return to the game after a break. Fast bowling, sudden sprints, diving on the field, repeated throwing, and long hours of practice place continuous stress on the body. Over time, small strains can turn into bigger injuries if ignored.
The good news? Most cricket injuries are treatable, and many are preventable, when you catch them early and follow the right rehab plan. This blog covers the most common sports injuries in cricket, why they happen, and when to seek help.
Why cricket injuries are so common
Cricket injuries usually fall into two groups:
Acute injuries – happen suddenly (a fall, twist, impact, awkward landing)
Overuse injuries – develop slowly due to repeated stress (bowling workload, throwing, long sessions)
Common reasons injuries occur include:
Poor warm-up or skipping mobility work
Weak core/hip/shoulder strength
Sudden increase in training load
Incorrect bowling or throwing mechanics
Tight hamstrings, calves, or hip flexors
Playing through pain and “adjusting” movement patterns
1) Shoulder injuries (especially in throwers and fast bowlers)
What it feels like: pain while throwing, weakness, clicking, or reduced range of motion.
Why it happens: repeated overhead throwing stresses the rotator cuff, labrum, and shoulder joint.
Common shoulder conditions in cricket:
Rotator cuff strain/tendinitis
Shoulder impingement
Labral injury (SLAP tear)
AC joint irritation
Don’t ignore if: pain is persistent, you’ve lost throwing speed/accuracy, or pain wakes you up at night.
2) Back injuries (fast bowlers’ biggest risk)
Fast bowling generates high force through the lower back especially during delivery stride and follow-through. Young fast bowlers are especially vulnerable.
What it feels like: lower back pain during bowling, stiffness after practice, pain on bending backward.
Common causes:
Muscle strain
Stress reaction or stress fracture (pars defect / spondylolysis)
Disc-related pain (less common but possible)
Don’t ignore if: pain increases with bowling, lasts more than 1–2 weeks,
or radiates to the leg.
3) Knee injuries (from sprinting, twisting, sudden stops, or diving)
Cricket involves quick changes of direction and uneven load on the knees.
What it feels like: swelling, locking, giving way, pain on stairs, pain after a match.
Common knee injuries:
Meniscus tear
ACL/MCL sprain
Patellar tendinitis (“jumper’s knee”)
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain)
Don’t ignore if: swelling appears quickly, the knee feels unstable, or you can’t fully bend/straighten.
4) Ankle sprains and foot injuries (fielding + sudden direction changes)
Ankle sprains are extremely common during fielding, awkward landings, or on uneven grounds.
What it feels like: swelling, pain on the outside of the ankle, difficulty bearing weight.
Common conditions:
Lateral ankle sprain
High ankle sprain (more severe)
Plantar fascia strain
Stress fractures (especially with heavy training)
Don’t ignore if: you still limp after 3–5 days, swelling is severe, or pain is sharp in one spot.
5) Hamstring strains (sprinting injury #1)
Hamstrings are heavily loaded during sprint starts, quick runs between wickets, and sudden acceleration.
What it feels like: sudden pulling sensation, tightness, pain while running, bruising in some cases.
Don’t ignore it: pain is sudden and sharp, or you feel a “pop.” Early rehab matters—returning too soon leads to repeat injuries.
6) Groin and hip injuries (common in batsmen and fielders)
Groin strains happen during quick pivots, lunges, or sudden sideways movement.
What it feels like: pain in the inner thigh/groin, pain during side steps, discomfort while running.
Common causes:
Adductor strain
Hip flexor strain
Core weakness leading to overload
Don’t ignore if: pain persists beyond a week or returns every time you play.
First-aid basics: what to do immediately after an injury
Rest the area
Ice for pain/swelling (short sessions)
Compression if swelling is present
Elevation when possible
Avoid aggressive stretching in the first 24–48 hours after a strain
If there is severe swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight, or instability, get evaluated quickly.
When should you see an orthopaedic specialist?
Seek medical evaluation if you have:
Pain lasting more than 7–10 days
Recurrent pain every time you train or play
Swelling, locking, or instability in the knee/ankle/shoulder
Reduced performance due to pain (throwing speed, bowling pace, sprinting)
Numbness, tingling, or pain radiating down the arm/leg
A suspected fracture or severe sprain
Early assessment often prevents a small issue from becoming a long break from the sport.
Preventing cricket injuries: simple habits that work
Injury prevention doesn’t need fancy equipment. Consistency is key:
Warm-up properly (mobility + activation + gradual intensity)
Strengthen the core, glutes, hamstrings, and shoulder stabilisers
Manage bowling workload and avoid sudden spikes
Work on technique (bowling action/throwing mechanics)
Recover well: sleep, hydration, and rest days
Don’t play through sharp pain—get it checked
Cricket injury treatment in Koramangala
At OrthoSport Clinic, Koramangala, Dr. Belliappa (Orthopaedic Consultant) evaluates sports injuries with a focus on accurate diagnosis and safe return to sport. Whether you’re a school-level cricketer, a weekend player, or training competitively, the aim is always the same: reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent recurrence.
If you’re dealing with repeated pain while playing cricket, don’t wait until it becomes a major injury. Book a consultation to understand what’s causing it and how to fix it properly.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
