Cricket is a contest of nations and franchises, and at the heart of every match are the elevens who take the field. Here we look at the teams that shape the game: the proud national sides of the men's and women's game, from the established giants to the rising challengers, and the star-studded IPL franchises that have redefined the modern spectacle. Each has its own story, its own rivalries, and its own cast of characters.
Our coverage goes beyond match reports to the fabric of these teams: the squads, the leaders, the emerging talents, and the veterans who carry the weight of expectation. Whether it is the tactical shifts in a Test side, the balance of an ODI unit, or the firepower of a T20 line-up, understanding the team is the first step to understanding the cricket. That is what you will find here, for the teams that make the game what it is.
England