Cricket in Bhutan
Grassroots Cricket: Nurturing the Future of the Game
Cricket is more than a sport. It is a passion that brings communities together, teaches discipline, and shapes young athletes. While elite tournaments often capture the headlines, the true foundation of cricket lies in grassroots development — the programs and initiatives that introduce the game to beginners, build skills, and create pathways to higher levels.
What Is Grassroots Cricket?
Grassroots cricket refers to entry-level structures designed to make the game accessible, enjoyable, and inclusive for children, youth, and communities. From school programs and local clubs to community coaching and simplified formats, grassroots initiatives focus on participation, skill-building, and long-term engagement rather than immediate professional success.
Key elements include:
School and community programs that introduce cricket to children of all ages
Youth coaching and clinics that build fundamental skills
Local tournaments and fun competitions that encourage participation
Coach and official education to ensure quality guidance at all levels
Accessible cricket formats, such as tennis-ball or street cricket, which require minimal equipment
The Global Growth of Grassroots Cricket
Over the past two decades, grassroots cricket has grown far beyond traditional cricket nations. Thanks to the ICC and national boards, cricket is now a sport for everyone, everywhere.
Some global trends include:
School Integration: Countries like Namibia, Nepal, and Malaysia have embedded cricket into school PE programs, reaching thousands of children.
Female Participation: Women’s cricket is growing rapidly, with programs creating early opportunities for girls.
Community Engagement: Initiatives such as Cricket for Change combine sport with social education, empowering youth in underserved communities.
Innovations in Coaching: Coaching hubs and certification programs provide young players with professional guidance from the start.
These initiatives have led to record participation, better talent identification, and a rise in cricket’s popularity even in non-traditional regions.
Grassroots Cricket in Bhutan: A Success Story
Bhutan is a shining example of how grassroots cricket can transform a nation’s sporting landscape. In just over a decade, the country has grown from a handful of cricket enthusiasts to a vibrant community with tens of thousands of participants.
Highlights of Growth
Participation grew from 13,500 players in the mid-2010s to over 65,000 by 2025
Women’s cricket expanded from 65 players in 2006 to nearly 33,500 today
Cricket is now played across multiple districts through schools, clubs, and community programs
Programs Driving Growth
School Outreach: The Criiio Programme introduces cricket in schools, providing free equipment and coaching
Youth Pathways: Structured U13 to U19 programs help young talent progress to regional and national teams
Regional Coaching Hubs: Local coaches receive training and certification to provide quality guidance even in remote areas
Female Cricket Initiatives: Dedicated programs and competitions have made cricket one of the fastest-growing sports for girls in Bhutan, earning the Asia Regional ICC Female Cricket Initiative of the Year Award in 2025
Grassroots Cricket Participation Across Bhutan
The growth of cricket at the grassroots level is reflected in participation numbers across Bhutan’s dzongkhags. As of 2025, over 65,000 players are registered in local programs, with strong engagement from both boys and girls.
| Dzongkhag | Male Players | Female Players | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chukhha | 639 | 858 | 1,497 |
| Haa | 1,059 | 1,193 | 2,252 |
| Paro | 3,342 | 3,942 | 7,284 |
| Thimphu | 4,432 | 4,351 | 8,783 |
| Bumthang | 957 | 921 | 1,878 |
| Gasa | 346 | 386 | 732 |
| Punakha | 5,598 | 5,256 | 10,854 |
| Trongsa | 1,622 | 1,769 | 3,391 |
| Wangdue | 2,414 | 2,532 | 4,946 |
| Dagana | 1,308 | 1,340 | 2,648 |
| Samtse | 487 | 466 | 953 |
| Sarpang | 3,662 | 3,589 | 7,251 |
| Tsirang | 1,568 | 1,554 | 3,122 |
| Zhemgang | 849 | 894 | 1,743 |
| Lhuntse | 411 | 500 | 911 |
| Mongar | 269 | 303 | 572 |
| Pema Gatshel | 1,534 | 1,743 | 3,277 |
| Samdrup Jongkhar | 344 | 500 | 844 |
| Trashigang | 999 | 1,068 | 2,067 |
| Trashi Yangtse | 323 | 355 | 678 |
| Total | 32,163 | 33,520 | 65,683 |
These numbers show the widespread reach of cricket in Bhutan and the growing involvement of female players, which has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the sport. Cricket is no longer limited to a few pockets of enthusiasts; it has become a national movement that connects communities from Punakha to Trashigang and inspires the next generation of players.
A major milestone was achieved in 2025, as all 20 dzongkhags across Bhutan successfully completed their grassroots cricket programs. This nationwide coverage marked a significant step in making cricket truly accessible to every corner of the country. From the southern foothills to the mountains of Gasa, children and youth across all districts were introduced to the game through structured coaching, school programs, and community activities, reinforcing cricket’s place as a truly national sport in Bhutan.
Impact Beyond Sport
Grassroots cricket in Bhutan has:
Built confidence, teamwork, and leadership among young people
Promoted social inclusion in both rural and urban areas
Strengthened Bhutan’s presence in regional and international tournaments
Challenges such as limited specialized facilities, budget constraints, and geographical barriers remain, but the growth trajectory is strong. This is a true testament to the transformative power of grassroots cricket.
Why Grassroots Cricket Matters
Grassroots cricket is the lifeblood of the game. By introducing communities to cricket, providing coaching, and fostering passion, these programs ensure:
A larger talent pool for national and regional teams
Increased fan engagement and community support
Opportunities for girls and underrepresented groups
Development of coaches, officials, and local leaders
Life skills and personal growth through teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship
Grassroots cricket does more than create players. It builds communities, shapes character, and secures the future of the sport.
