I would say that the term is predominantly used for cricket. Perhaps because of all the major international sports the participating countries in the main are very dispersed (in particular from a British perspective). So cricketing teams would traditionally have to travel long distances for an international fixture. And once you have made a long trip it would make sense to arrange a series of fixtures (a "tour") rather than a one-off.

There is no sarcastic intent.

I would say that the term is predominantly used for cricket. Perhaps because of all the major international sports the participating countries in the main are very dispersed (in particular from a British perspective). So cricketing teams would traditionally have to travel long distances for an international fixture. And once you have made a long trip it would make sense to arrange a series of fixtures (a "tour") rather than a one-off.

There is no sarcastic intent.

If an English football team plays a one-off match in another English town or a nearby country then that is never referred to as a tour because they'll return home straight after the match.