Cricket isn't played in Europe, except in the British isles. It's a throwback to the largest Empire ever on earth. It's an imperial sport. India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, The West Indies some African states, like South Africa. It's the national sport of both India, Pakistan and the summer sport of South Africa making it bigger than any American sport. US sports may be played elsewhere, but, they are not number one usually for the nations playing them.
Rugby is played widely in Europe, it's the number one game in France. Also played widely in Africa, it's number one in South Africa. It's also number one in New Zealand, number two in Australia after Aussie rules most South Sea islands. Played by every conscript in the Chinese army, they see it as the best game for promoting teamwork. It's number two in a lot of nations like Argentina and Italy. I understand games from the U.K. were spread by the commonwealth and this is why they are played so much more widely. That and the fact they flow better and have been refined in multiple styles by multiple nations.