Introduction One of the biggest frustrations with Cricket 19 on PC is the lack of native support for multiple keyboards. Typically, the game treats all connected keyboards as a single input device, meaning Player 1 and Player 2 would control the same character if they tried to play side-by-side on one PC.
The solution is using a tool called Keyboard Splitter. By using a specific preset file, you can trick the game into thinking you have multiple Xbox controllers connected, allowing for seamless 2-player local matches.
What is a Keyboard Splitter Preset?
A "preset" in this context is a pre-configured profile file (usually .xml or a saved config within the software). Instead of manually mapping every single button (Shot selection, Leave, Run, Bowling direction) for both players, you can load a preset that automatically assigns:
Standard Key Mapping (The Preset Layout) If you are configuring this manually or looking for a standard preset layout, this is the most common setup used by the community:
Player 1 (The Host)
Player 2 (The Guest)
How to Set It Up
Troubleshooting Tips
Conclusion Using a Keyboard Splitter preset transforms the Cricket 19 PC experience, bringing back the fun of couch co-op cricket without needing to buy extra gamepads.
Cricket 19 on PC with a keyboard, you must use software like Gaming Keyboard Splitter
to emulate an Xbox 360 controller, as the game does not natively support keyboard and mouse. Quick Setup Guide Download & Install : Get the latest version from the official Keyboard Splitter GitHub . Install the required drivers and restart your PC Import Presets : Launch the app and go to Presets > Import
. You can manually create or import XML files to define your key mapping. Configure Slots : Set the "Slots count" to and ensure " Block Keyboards
" is checked to prevent double-input (where the game sees both the virtual controller and raw keyboard). Identify Keyboard
: Click the two-dot button next to "Choose Keyboard" and press any key on your keyboard to link it to the virtual slot. Steam Community Common Preset Mapping for Cricket 19
A standard preset typically maps the following essential controls: Cricket 19 Action Emulated Controller Key Common Keyboard Mapping Batting Direction Left Analog Stick Arrow Keys Timing / Normal Shot A (Xbox) / X (PS) Power Shot B (Xbox) / Circle (PS) Hold Space Lofted / Special Shot Advance Down Track Run-up / Release Bowling Length Left Analog (Up/Down) Up / Down Arrows Fix for Common "Diagonal" Issues
Many users report that diagonal shots (e.g., Up + Right) fail due to "keyboard ghosting" or axis conflicts. Cricket 19 Keyboard Controls Guide | PDF - Scribd
Arrow keys for line, Up/Down for length. Space for run-up/release, hold for pace. Ctrl/Alt for special deliveries. Cricket 19 on Steam keyboard splitter cricket 19 preset
Title: Makes two-player cricket on one keyboard actually playable
Review:
I downloaded the Keyboard Splitter preset for Cricket 19 to play local multiplayer with a friend on a single laptop, and it’s been a game-changer. Here’s my honest take:
✅ What works well:
⚠️ What could be better:
🎯 Verdict:
If you want to play Cricket 19 with a friend on a single keyboard without buying controllers, this preset is a must-have. It’s free, easy to use, and works well on most standard keyboards. Just test your key rollover first.
Recommended for: Local co-op fans, budget gamers, hostel/couch play.
Not for: USB gaming keyboards with low rollover, or anyone expecting console-like simplicity.
Using a keyboard splitter for Cricket 19 is a popular workaround because the game does not natively support keyboard-and-mouse play. Instead, it requires a controller to map the essential dual-analog stick movements used for batting footwork and bowling delivery. Big Ant Studios How the Preset Works Keyboard Splitter (most commonly KeyboardSplitterXbox
) tricks the PC into seeing your keyboard as a virtual Xbox 360 controller. Virtual Analog Sticks : The splitter maps your keys (typically
or Arrow keys) to emulate the Left and Right sticks of a controller. Action Mapping : Standard actions like "timing" are often mapped to the
bar, while advanced modifiers like "Lofted" or "Power" shots are assigned to keys like Steam Community
Because Cricket 19 lacks native keyboard support, players use Keyboard Splitter to emulate an Xbox 360 controller, allowing custom mapping for movements, shots, and fielding. Recommended configurations map movement to WASD or arrow keys and utilize Space for timing. For the full setup documentation and to download the tool, visit GitHub. Cricket 19 Keyboard Controls Guide | PDF - Scribd
Cricket 19 using a keyboard as a controller (ideal for local multiplayer), you can use the Keyboard Splitter Xbox
tool. This setup emulates a virtual Xbox 360 controller, allowing you to bypass the game's requirement for physical gamepads. Cricket 19 Optimized Keyboard Splitter Preset
This preset maps standard keyboard keys to essential Xbox controller functions used in Cricket 19. Xbox Button Keyboard Key Cricket 19 Function (Batting/Bowling) Left Stick Footwork / Delivery Line & Length Right Stick Arrow Keys Shot Direction / Swing & Spin Direction Standard Shot / Bowler Release Lofted Shot / Quick Throw Advance Down Pitch / Appeal Sprint / Run Between Wickets Left Shift Right Shift Modified Shots (Aggressive) / Special Deliveries Start / Back Pause / Menu Navigation Setup Instructions when playing cricket 19 ,some controls doesnt work properly
To use a Keyboard Splitter preset for Cricket 19 , you are essentially employing a workaround to bypass the game's strict requirement for a physical controller. This software creates "Virtual Xbox 360 Controllers" out of your keyboard inputs, allowing you to play a game that lacks native keyboard support.
Below is an essay exploring why these presets are essential, how they function, and their impact on the Cricket 19 community. Title: How to Play Local Multiplayer in Cricket
Bridging the Gap: The Role of Keyboard Splitter Presets in Cricket 19
The Barrier to EntryCricket 19, developed by Big Ant Studios, is widely regarded as one of the most realistic cricket simulations ever made. However, it presents a significant hurdle for PC players: it does not officially support keyboard and mouse gameplay. For many gamers—particularly those in regions where gaming controllers are expensive or hard to find—this limitation is a dealbreaker. The game assumes every player has access to dual-analog sticks for precise bowling and batting directions, leaving the standard keyboard user in the dark.
The Engineering of a WorkaroundThis is where the Keyboard Splitter software becomes revolutionary. By creating a virtual driver, the software tricks the PC into thinking a physical gamepad is plugged in. The "preset" is the most critical component of this setup. A preset is a pre-configured mapping file that assigns specific keyboard keys (like W, A, S, D or the Arrow keys) to emulate the analog sticks and buttons of an Xbox controller.
Without a well-optimized preset, the game becomes nearly unplayable. For example, a good preset must allow for:
Dual-Key Emulation: Mapping multiple keys to simulate the "tilt" of an analog stick for placing a shot.
Timing Accuracy: Minimizing input lag so that a keypress translates instantly into a perfectly timed "late cut" or "cover drive."
Ease of Use: Assigning complex controller combos (like L2 + R2 for aggressive shots) to single, reachable keys on the keyboard.
Community-Driven AccessibilityThe existence of these presets is a testament to the passion of the cricket gaming community. Since developers often overlook keyboard optimization for sports titles, users on platforms like Quora and various gaming forums have shared their own custom configurations to help others. These community-made presets democratize the game, ensuring that a high-end graphics card and a copy of the game are the only requirements for entry, rather than a mandatory secondary peripheral.
ConclusionWhile a physical controller is still the "recommended" way to experience Cricket 19, the Keyboard Splitter preset has become an essential tool for thousands of players. It bridges the gap between hardware limitations and software requirements, proving that with a bit of technical ingenuity, no player has to be left on the sidelines. Cricket 19 on Steam
While Cricket 19 does not natively support keyboard and mouse, you can use Keyboard Splitter to emulate an Xbox controller. This allows you to play using your keyboard by mapping keys to controller inputs like the left stick and D-pad. Performance & Usability Review
Essential functionality: A keyboard splitter preset is generally effective for basic gameplay, such as standard batting and bowling. Common Limitations:
Diagonal Inputs: Users often report issues with simultaneous key presses (e.g., Left + Right arrow keys), which can prevent certain complex shots.
Precision Issues: Bowling accuracy is often reduced. It can be difficult to change the ball's line smoothly; movements may feel jerky or result in frequent "wides" compared to an analog stick.
Buggy Shots: Some presets have been noted for "back shots" not working correctly for certain handers (right or left) due to how the software interprets directional inputs. Recommended Setup Steps
Download Keyboard Splitter: Ensure you have the latest version of Keyboard Splitter Xbox.
Create a Profile: Open the software and create a new profile specifically for Cricket 19. Map Common Keys: Player 1: Typically WASD for movement, Arrow Keys
Movement/Aiming: Often mapped to WASD or arrow keys to emulate the left analog stick.
Batting Actions: Use the Numpad or specific letter keys (e.g., J, K, L, I) to emulate the Xbox face buttons (
Test in Training: Always use the in-game training mode first to verify that your preset responds correctly before entering a competitive match. Guide :: Jolly Co-op keyboard splitting - Steam Community
The rhythmic clicking of ’s mechanical keyboard was the only sound in the dimly lit room, save for the hum of his PC fans. On his monitor, the digital Oval was bathed in a golden afternoon glow. He was facing a grueling Test match in Cricket 19
, but there was a catch: his controller had snapped its analog stick an hour before the big final. Most players would have quit. The Steam page Cricket 19
was blunt—controller required, keyboard and mouse not supported. But Arjun was a tinkerer. He had spent the last forty minutes meticulously configuring a Keyboard Splitter. To the PC, his "W, A, S, D" keys were no longer letters; they were the ghost of an Xbox 360 controller.
He loaded his custom Cricket 19 Preset. The "J" key was mapped to a front-foot drive, and "K" was his defensive block. It felt alien, like learning to breathe in a different atmosphere.
The digital bowler, a fierce AI Mitchell Starc, began his run-up. Arjun’s fingers hovered over the home row. Click-clack. He tapped the "S" key to shift his weight back. Tap. He timed the "L" key perfectly for a late cut. The ball zipped through the gap between point and cover, racing to the boundary.
"It actually works," he whispered, a grin spreading across his face.
The Keyboard Splitter had turned his clunky typing tool into a precision instrument of sport. He wasn't just playing a game; he was proof that with the right preset and a bit of technical grit, you could turn a "not supported" warning into a match-winning century. Cricket 19 on Steam
Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a keyboard splitter preset for Cricket 19 (on PC), so two players can play from a single keyboard without conflicts.
The two most reliable options:
For Cricket 19, we recommend UCR with the Keyboard Splitter plugin.
Not all keyboard keys are equal. Many budget keyboards cannot register W+Shift+Space simultaneously. By splitting into two virtual devices, you bypass this—but ensure your physical keys aren't on the same electrical row. Stick to:
WASD + Shift + Ctrl + SpaceNumpad rowWe’ll create a Player 2 preset that mirrors Player 1’s actions but using right-side keys, then map those keys to Player 1’s actual controls.
Example mapping:
| Action | Player 1 (default) | Player 2 (mapped) | |----------------------|--------------------|-------------------| | Move up | W | I (or Up arrow) | | Move down | S | K | | Move left | A | J | | Move right | D | L | | Run / confirm | Space | Right Ctrl | | Sprint | Left Shift | Right Shift | | Advance down wicket | Numpad 4/5/6 | U / O / P | | Pause / start | Enter | Backspace |