It is believed that the origins of cricket lie somewhere in the Dark Ages, probably before the Normanians invaded England (which took place in 1066), and almost certainly in Northern Europe (today, hardly any of the Northern Europeans countries play cricket except for the UK). All research suggests that the game derived from a very old, and uncomplicated pastime. One player served up an object, usually a small piece of wood or a ball, and another hit it with a suitably fashioned club.

 

However, a lot of how and when this pastime club-ball game developed into one where the hitter defends a target against the thrower is simply not known.  There is no evidence as to when points were awarded dependent upon how far the hitter was able to hit the piece of wood/ball either. Nor the beginning of the evolution into a team game, which was actually just a 2-player pastime. When and how the concept of placing wickets at either end of the pitch was adopted is also a mystery.

 

I just couldn't find enough evidence as to how a game that people just played for fun, turned into a competitive sport that is watched by millions now.