In the modern sports world, the speed and accuracy of information play a key role. Sports APIs help solve the problem of obtaining up-to-date data on matches, results, and player statistics in real time. This is especially important for application developers, betting platforms, sports media, and analysts who want to provide users with the most accurate and current information.
The ESPN Cricinfo API is a service that combines data on cricket and other sports, providing both live information and statistics from archives. Thanks to the API, developers can create applications with predictions, analyze match data, and integrate fresh statistics into their platforms.
What is API and API-sport?
An API (Application Programming Interface) is an interface for programmatic interaction that allows applications to receive and send data without manual input. API-sport is one of the most popular services for sports analytics, which combines data across dozens of sports, including football, hockey, basketball, tennis, esports, and of course, cricket.
The platform emerged in response to the need for a centralized database of sports data with quick updates and a history of events. Among the features of API-sport it is worth noting:
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Access to live results and events in real time.
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Player and team statistics, including transfers, lineups, and achievements.
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Archived data over the years, which is convenient for analysts and researchers.
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Convenient data transmission formats — JSON and XML, support for REST and WebSocket.
API-sport stands out from competitors with its update speed and coverage of sports, making it an ideal tool for integration into applications and analytical platforms.
ESPN Cricinfo API: advanced cricket analytics capabilities
The ESPN Cricinfo API provides a wide range of information necessary for cricket analytics and predictions:
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Match results and detailed statistics by innings.
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Team lineups and player biographies.
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Player statistics (rankings, averages, performance metrics).
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Odds and data for calculating bets.
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Archived data and player transfers.
Such a dataset allows not only tracking current events but also building predictions and analytical models for betting and studying the game.
Supported sports
Although the main focus of the ESPN Cricinfo API is cricket, API-sport also supports:
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Football (championships and leagues around the world)
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Hockey (NHL, international tournaments)
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Basketball (NBA, EuroLeague)
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Tennis (ATP, WTA)
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Esports (CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends)
This makes the platform versatile for integrating multi-sport data.
Technologies and formats
For the convenience of developers, API-sport supports:
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REST API — the classic way to work with requests and responses.
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WebSocket — for receiving live data without constant polling.
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JSON and XML — universal formats for integration into web and mobile applications.
How to access the API?
To fully utilize the ESPN Cricinfo API through the API-sport platform, you need to go through a few simple steps.
- Registration on the platform
The first step is to create an account on the official API-sport website. The process is simple: enter your email, create a password, and confirm registration via email. After that, you gain access to your personal account, where you can manage subscriptions and API keys. - Obtaining a unique API key
After registration, a unique API key is generated in your personal account. This key is necessary for all API requests and serves as an authentication tool. It protects your account and allows tracking of API usage, as well as restricting access to your data. - Choosing a tariff plan
API-sport offers several plans, including a free and paid subscriptions. The free plan is perfect for testing and small projects, providing basic access to live data and statistics. Paid plans unlock advanced features: detailed player statistics, betting odds, archived data, and forecasts.
10. RapidAPI, SportRadar, and other platforms provide access to BetsAPI and Livescore API through their channels. This is convenient for developers who need ready-made integrations and reliable SLAs.
In addition to the official connection through API-sport, access to data is possible through third-party aggregator services:
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RapidAPI
A convenient API aggregator that collects dozens of sports services. RapidAPI provides quick access to the ESPN Cricinfo API, but often with limits on the number of requests and data refresh rates. This is suitable for small projects or rapid prototyping. -
SportRadar
A reliable source of sports data with official licenses. SportRadar ensures high accuracy of information and a wide range of sports. However, the subscription cost is higher, and integration requires additional knowledge and skills in working with APIs.
The use of third-party providers is justified if additional functionality, local data, or a convenient interface for integration is required.
12. Free plans usually include limited access to historical data and basic statistics. Paid subscriptions unlock:
Free tariffs
They provide limited access to data: live match results, basic statistics of players and teams, historical results. Ideal for testing, small projects, and training.
Paid plans
They open up extended functionality:
- Complete team rosters and detailed player statistics
- Odds for betting and outcome analytics
- Historical data and archived results
- Predictions and player transfers
Paid subscriptions are suitable for professional analysts, media platforms, betting services, and large projects that require maximum accuracy and timeliness of data.
17. Number of requests per minute/hour
Each tariff plan has its limitations that are important to consider:
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Number of requests — free tariffs have limits on daily and monthly API calls.
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Data update speed — live results on free tariffs are updated with a slight delay, paid tariffs provide minimal delay.
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Additional limitations — some types of statistics, predictions, or archived data are only available on professional tariffs.
For high-load projects, such as live betting applications or analytical platforms, it is recommended to use paid subscriptions to avoid delays and limitations.
API Integration
Connection examples (Python, JavaScript)
Python (requests):
import requests
url = «https://api-sport.pro/cricket/matches»
headers = {«X-API-KEY»: «your_api_key»}
response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
data = response.json()
print(data)
JavaScript (fetch):
fetch(«https://api-sport.pro/cricket/matches», {
headers: { «X-API-KEY»: «your_api_key» }
})
.then(res => res.json())
.then(data => console.log(data));
Integration into CMS and mobile applications
API-sport easily integrates into WordPress, Android, and iOS applications, allowing automatic data updates on pages and in mobile interfaces.
Using live data via WebSocket
Using WebSocket allows for real-time updates without constant server polling. This saves resources and speeds up application performance, especially during live match broadcasts.
Where is it used?
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Betting and odds scanners — for calculating bets and predictions.
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Sports analytics and predictions — for research and BI projects.
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Media and fan applications — for publishing current information.
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Fantasy Sports and esports – for managing teams and analyzing players.
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BI systems and Big Data projects – for building complex models and reports.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
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Wide coverage of sports and tournaments.
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High data update speed.
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Accuracy and reliability of information from verified sources.
Cons:
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The cost of paid plans can be high.
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Limits on free plans.
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Integration can be complicated for beginners.
API alternatives
Popular alternatives:
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RapidAPI – a convenient aggregator, but with limitations.
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SportRadar – a reliable source, but expensive.
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The Odds API — optimal for betting and odds.
Using competitors is justified if local coverage or specific data not available in API-sport is needed.
In summary
ESPN Cricinfo API in conjunction with API-sport opens up wide opportunities for cricket analytics, live updates, and forecasts. It is the perfect tool for developers, analysts, media, and betting platforms. Thanks to convenient connection technologies and data formats, integration into applications and web services becomes simple and effective.
Registration: https://app.api-sport.ru/register
Our TG channel with updates: https://t.me/apisportru.
FAQ
Is there free access?
Yes, there is a limited free plan with basic data.
What sports are supported?
Cricket, football, hockey, basketball, tennis, esports, and others.
Is the API suitable for betting?
Yes, odds, forecasts, and match results are provided.
How to connect the API to the application?
Through REST requests or WebSocket, using the API key.
Can the API be used for predictions?
Yes, based on player and team statistics.
How to integrate data into CMS and mobile applications?
Through JSON/XML formats and ready-made libraries for Python, JavaScript, WordPress, and mobile platforms.
