Cricket: From Colonial Pastime to India’s National Passion

According to Indian political psychologist Ashis Nandy, “cricket is an Indian game accidentally discovered by the British.” This sentiment rings true, as a 2018 survey by the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed that over 90% of the world’s one billion cricket fans reside in the Indian subcontinent.

The Origins of Cricket in India

The origins of cricket in India can be traced back to 1721, when English sailors were spotted playing the sport on the soggy banks of the River Vishwamitri in Tankari Bandar. Though the British had no initial intention of teaching the natives the intricacies of the game, cricket soon found its way into the hands of India’s elite, who saw it as a means to curry favor with their colonial rulers.

The Democratization of Cricket

However, by the late 19th century, the sport’s elitist hold began to wane as players from lower castes and disadvantaged communities, like the legendary Dalit cricketer Palwankar Baloo, started making their mark. This gradual democratization of cricket paved the way for its infusion into India’s vibrant cultural fabric, eventually transforming it from a tool of colonial domination to a symbol of the country’s independence aspirations.

The Rise of Cricket in Independent India

The game’s popularity skyrocketed in the decades following India’s independence, with the team’s historic 1983 World Cup triumph sparking a nationwide fervor that has only intensified since. The advent of shorter formats like Twenty20 further fueled cricket’s growth, leading to the establishment of the lucrative Indian Premier League in 2008.

“Today, cricket is woven into the very essence of India’s national identity, serving as a unifying force that transcends linguistic, religious, and social divides.”

From the bustling maidans of Mumbai to the backyard pitches of rural villages, the sport is a ubiquitous presence, nurtured by a deep-rooted tradition of mentorship and respect for the game.

As the country gears up to host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket is poised to make its debut, the sport’s influence is set to reach new heights, captivating a global audience and solidifying India’s status as the undisputed epicenter of the cricketing universe.

🔗 Source