How Cricket Became India’s National Obsession

Originating in England but eventually spreading across the globe via British settlers and soldiers over hundreds of years, cricket is the world’s second most popularly followed sport, placing right behind football – or soccer if you’re in the US. 

Its success is mostly due to the sport’s popularity in the Indian sub-continent, which is made up of regions including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, and is now considered the epicentre of world cricket, with around 90% of the world’s fans found here. 

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The Sanctity of Cricket

In India, cricket is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle or a nationwide obsession, if you may. From fast-paced cities to remote villages, cricket is everywhere. It’s so ingrained in the culture that every person, both adult, child, or elder, has dreamed of becoming a professional cricketer at some point, with some going as far as dedicating their entire life to the pursue of this ambition. 

Interestingly, cricket dates back to British colonisation, and while the Indian sub-continent fought back fiercely and rejected the majority of British symbols of rule, this sport rose above it all and today has become a cultural mainstay. In simple terms, cricket in India has become an internalised passion that will never die, almost a religion, if you may. 

Initially reserved for the highest circles of British colonial society, cricket slowly permeated across the population, with the sport beginning to slowly knock down social barriers by the late 19^th century, igniting fervent interest among all walks of life. The emergence of new cricket stars who faced their fair share of backlash and discrimination throughout their career, such as Palwankar Baloo, for instance, reinforced the growing popularity of the sport across all castes and social circles. 

A Nation Reunited

The struggle for independence from colonialism became a powerful symbol on the cricket pitch, with matches held against British teams becoming charged with nationalist passion, embodying the dreams of an emerging nation longing for freedom. With each victory, the national spirit of unity and resistance flourished with fervour, with the sport becoming synonymous with the waves of social change coursing through the country at the time. 

Once India eventually achieved its independence in 1947, some advocated to have the sport removed, viewing it as a symbol of the past. However, the game was so deeply ingrained in society by then that it was impossible to extract. Once regarded as a symbol of imperial dominance in the region, the game of cricket has since then become a beacon of national pride and identity. 

The Evolution of Passion

For several decades to come, Indian cricket evolved and grew, reflecting the nation’s journey of modernisation and growth. Originally, games were organised using the traditional five-day test match format, which places a lot of emphasis on strategy and patience. 

This game type continued to hold a special place in the heart of cricket purists for a long time until the one-day internationals made their first appearance in a match between England and Australia in 1971. This new game format injected a fresh supply of excitement and speed into the game that resonated loudly with the younger generation. 

In the early 2000s, the world of cricket underwent a second metamorphosis with the introduction of Twenty20 cricket or T20 for short. With a significantly reduced game format, explosive battles, and a big emphasis on entertainment, it wasn’t long before the T20 game-type format took the cricket world by storm. 

Let’s Break it Down

If you’re still wondering how cricket regulates India’s heartbeat, several factors can explain its widespread appeal. Here are a couple of reasons to consider. 

1. Financial aspects – for a long time, cricket has proven extremely profitable in India, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) debuting in 2008 and reshaping the sport’s economics, resulting in substantial financial gain for the local economy.
2. Cultural value – deeply intertwined with the local culture, cricket is not simply a sport but rather considered an experience that brings friends, families, and entire communities together to follow matches. Inspiring scores of ballads and movies, cricketers in India are treated like celebrities. 
3. Allegiance and loyalty – often seen as a means to showcase India’s prowess and strength at a global level, cricket matches (especially those held against traditional rivals such as Pakistan, for example) hold great significance. Victories are not only celebrated but viewed as symbols of national patriotism and devotion.  
4. The role of the media – of course, Indian media has played a fundamental role in promoting cricket worldwide, with live streams, TV broadcasts, and extensive newspaper and online coverage making the sport widely accessible. 
5. Living the dream – the huge success of Indian cricket players and the fame that’s associated with it have made this sport every fan’s dream. In India, it’s common for children to grow up aspiring to be the next Virat Kohli or Sachin Tendulkar, and who’s to say what will come? 

What Does the Future Hold?

The evolution of cricket in India does not come without its own set of opportunities and challenges, and the increasing popularity among younger generations presents itself well for the future. Nevertheless, concerns regarding the sustainability of the current cricket model, particularly concerning the substantial increase of T20 cricket games and the commercial pressure that accompanies them. 

By striking that delicate balance between embracing innovation while still retaining the original essence of the game, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other stakeholders require a full hands-on approach when determining the direction the sport takes in the future.