A study on prevalence of sports injuries of cricketers in different age categories

Introduction & Background: Cricket’s physical and mental demands make it highly popular in India and worldwide, but athletes across all levels remain vulnerable to injuries. Despite increasing participation, there is limited data on injury frequency, severity, and patterns among Indian cricketers. Understanding these injuries is essential for effective prevention and rehabilitation. Material and Method: This study examined injury prevalence in 303 players (194 men, 108 women, and 1 third gender) across four competitive groups: senior, U-14, U-17, and U-19. A 45-item standardized questionnaire collected information on injury type, location, causes, recurrence, rehabilitation, and side effects. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Result: Acute injuries (37.62%) were more common than chronic (28.71%). The most affected areas were muscles (36.63%) and bones (33.99%), particularly the legs, knees, and shoulders. Sprains (29.70%), strains (19.14%), and contusions (10.89%) dominated. Major causes included improper technique and falls. Notably, 88.12% experienced injuries, with 61.05% reporting recurrences. Conclusion & Recommendation: Findings emphasize age-specific training, proper technique, structured prevention, and medical supervision to reduce injuries and ensure sustainable player performance.