Is it halal to play cricket?

All these are part of the kuffaar sports and culture and are a waste of time. A Mu’min has been created for higher objectives and greater goals. His endeavour should constantly be aimed towards earning the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and the rewards of the Hereafter.

A Mu’min should not while away his time in amusement and vain activity, emulating the ways of the kuffaar. The Fuqahaa have written that it is not permissible for one to get involved in these types of vain pursuits.

Apart from this, in these sports events, there is intermingling, music, gambling, drinking and every type of perceivable evil. Salaah is often missed due to involvement in this kuffaar sport.

Watching this on TV is also not permissible as it entails getting involved in the grave sin of photography. Pictures of animate objects are haraam in Islam. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Undoubtedly, the people subject to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyaamah are those involved in picture-making.” (Saheeh Bukaari 2/880)

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.