Cricket matches are played under varying environmental conditions that affect the pitch and style of play, which, in turn, can influence injury risk. Limited overs cricket reduces overuse injuries in fast bowlers by restricting their workloads. Spin-friendly pitches mean spin bowlers bowl more overs in red ball cricket than pace bowlers, which in turn protects fast bowlers from overuse. Seam-friendly pitches that aid swing bowling may limit over-bowling by allowing quicker dismissals. In contrast, batter-friendly pitches with minimal grass can prolong innings, increasing overuse risk for fast bowlers and potentially promoting short-pitched bowling that raises batters’ risk of hand/head injuries. Larger grounds necessitate more running, elevating muscle strain risks. The rise of shorter formats like T20 is anticipated to increase acute injuries like shoulder impingement from diving, throwing hard and powerful hitting. More significant variations between match formats and denser scheduling also appear to amplify injury rates. Monitoring evolving styles of play and modifying preventative measures may help mitigate emerging injury patterns. The dynamic relationship between playing conditions, tactics and demands creates a complex landscape influencing cricket injury profiles across different eras and match types.