The origin of cricket is a contentious issue. Historians and researchers have slightly different theories about the origin of the game. But some conclusions were drawn based on the historical evidences, which trace its origin to England. The word 'cricket' may have its origin in the word 'cric'. Crics were wooden staves carried by shepherds. The game developed in the grasslands of Kent and Sussex in England, where it was a kid sport and not seriously taken up by the adults. The first written record of the game can be traced to 1598, when a mention of the game 'crekett' or 'crickett' was found. Slowly, it became popular among the adults, only to be suppressed by the clergy. In 1611, two men were prosecuted for playing cricket instead of going to the church. But, the growing popularity meant more and more arrests. The Beginning The new puritan government of England clamped down on the spread of cricket. It had become a major pastime in the 1600s among the labor class and peasants. The 1680s saw the end of the puritan regime and Monarchy was in power again. The new rulers were themselves fond of the game and hence it gained in popularity and respectability. In spite of betting and petty violence associated with cricket's early following, the London magistrate viewed the game as 'respectable'. In the year 1788, the 'Laws of Cricket' were laid down by the Marylebone Cricket Club, England which are still adhered to, except for a few revisions and modifications. Till today, it is the only game in the world that has 'laws' instead of rules, heralding the beginning of the modern version of the game in the 1700s. The game was played in the eastern United States along with England, in accordance with the new laws of the game. Perhaps, cricket gained more popularity with the association of the rich and the famous of England with the game since 1725. Charles Lennox, the 2nd Duke of Richmond, the 7th baronet Sir William Gage or Alan Broderick who were all high profile connoisseurs of the game. Their interest ensured newspaper coverage for the game. The 1800s saw the emergence of Australia and South Africa as major cricket playing nations. The first official international test match was played between the touring English side against Australia. The match was played in Melbourne, Australia where the home side won by a margin of 45 runs. The Aussies again defeated England in 1882, resulting in a public outcry against the poor English game. One writer had, in fact, published an obituary for English cricket, stating that its 'body' would be cremated and ashes spread all over Australia. The next series played between the two countries was termed as the fight to 'regain the ashes'. Till date, a test series between England and Australia is referred to as the 'Ashes' test series and holds a special place in the cricketing arena for the intensity and the great rivalry of the two cricket teams. Cricket made its only appearance in Olympics in the year 1900, with a game played between England and France. English won the gold medal there and today there is a renewed effort to include it as an Olympic sport. The 'Imperial Cricket Conference' was formed in 1909 by England, South Africa and Australia. It was rechristened as 'International Cricket Conference' until 1989, when it was finally named 'International Cricket Council'. It has 10 full members, 34 associate members and 60 affiliate members as of 2008-09. Test cricket remains the highest standard of cricket, as the game grew through the 20th century. There have been many historic events and matches that changed the face of the game time and again. The 'Bodyline series' between England and Australia in 1932-33, the 1981 ban on underarm bowling after the Aussies used it in the infamous test series against New Zealand and the emergence of the Indian sub-continent as a power house of cricket in the late 20th century, are some of the notable features of the game. Australian magnate, Kerry Packer glamorized cricket with his own version of the game, after a fallout with the sport's governing body. He infused big bucks in the game and rewarded cricketers who played in this rebellious cricket tournament. The new concept to hit the cricketing world was the 'One-Day' game which became an instant hit. As of today, yet another version of the game, 'Twenty-20' cricket, is fast becoming a rage amongst the followers of the game. The Indian Premier League, which includes all the big names of the cricketing world, is a hugely popular twenty-20 cricket tournament. What started as a remote pastime in the English moors, has developed into one of the most eagerly pursued game in the world.