Have you ever wondered why cricket is so popular in India? No Idea, right?
It is because of the complexity of the answer itself. If you ask anyone why cricket is so popular in India, you'll get varied answers. Some say it won the world championship in 2011 and 1983, others say it sparked their interest and craze for the game, and some refer to its background, which was deeply impacted by the British colonizers.
So, what's your opinion on this? What made cricket the most popular sport in India over any other sport? Let's have a detailed analysis of this through this blog. Read the blog until the end to know more.
History
When we look back at the history of cricket, we can see that it was introduced by the sailors and traders of the English East India Company in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the earliest known cricket record in India dates back to 1721, when the first club was founded in 1792. However, the first match was played 1864 between Calcutta (Kolkata) and Madras (Madras). However, not many records exist from the game. The entire history of cricket in India is wholly based on the existence and development of the British Raj via the East India Company.
Cricket- Unity in Diversity
Cricket also represents unity in diversity, and people across the country celebrate it. Cricket crosses all the language, region, and religion boundaries and unites people as a unity celebrating victory together. The shared experience of support beats the cultural barriers, promoting a sense of friendship and brotherhood.
However, cricket is not confined to a region like other sports; it extends across various country regions. Cricket is understood and known by everyone from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Local competition at the state level promotes healthy competition, promoting the richness of the cricketing culture. The different franchise teams in the IPL represent different regions and cities, demonstrating how cricket blends with Indians despite their diverse backgrounds and cultures. However, these matches are the various modes by which the IPL franchises can earn money.
Entertainment
Undergoing daily stress can be dealt with easily by watching cricket matches where your mind actively participates, you support your favourite team, and you celebrate the player's victory. Here, you stay joyous, far away from your daily life. It also leaves a memory on the spectators whose focus is on defeats, victories, unexpected twists, and many more. The spectators also admire the players' skills, and their personalities and resilience inspire them while they play. This admiration ability can help develop a bond with the people.
Emotional Attachment
Another interesting fact about cricket is that more than a game for Indians and cricket fans, cricket isn't just a game but a way beyond it. It is an emotion. The victories and the defeats are celebrated equally, creating a bond among the people and surpassing all the cultural and regional differences. The victory is celebrated with joy, and festivals are also designed for crucial matches where the victories are celebrated enthusiastically, creating lasting memories for the fans.
Economic Influence
Cricket has also paved the way to promote financial development by introducing the Indian Premier League, one of the richest sports leagues in the world and attracts various visitors worldwide. It also paves the way for income production through several ways, such as ticket sales, sponsorships, broadcasting rights, etc. So, this is how the IPL franchises also earn money. It provides a platform for players across different regions to come together, fostering a sense of unity that crosses the boundaries of regionalism.
Social Impact
Cricket has also socially uplifted the communities of the rural areas, where the fields are made as playgrounds and platforms for the cricketers to showcase their talents. The local tournaments conducted by the local group of communities pave the way for them to compete with each other; in other words, they serve as a mode of healthy competition.
Global Success
Another reason cricket is so popular in India is the popularity and fame it received on the international stage. Famous sports persons like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, M.S Dhoni, and many other celebrities served as brand ambassadors for promoting cricket during those days. However, the success rate of cricket at its global level is also one of the reasons for the nurturing of cricket in India.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why Is Cricket So Popular in India
Why Does India Have a Large Viewership in the Cricket Game?
It is because cricket is played at the grassroots level in the form of gully cricket. Everyone, from young children to adults, knows about the game and has good knowledge about it; thus, it is viewed by a large audience in India.
Is Cricket More Popular than Any Other Sport in India?
No. Cricket is the most popular sport in India, and only after that is every other sport popular. Hockey or football comes only after cricket. So this is how cricket's popularity is surging in India.
Which Is the Most Popular Sport in India, Cricket or Football?
Cricket is the most popular sport in India, and football is popular only after cricket. Football is the most popular sport in other parts of the world, but in India, cricket is the most popular sport.
The history of cricket and its colonial impact explain why cricket is so popular in India and still rules our hearts. However, the sport became a national obsession after the 1983 World Cup victory. The game also surged in popularity by bringing millions together in a shared position of the game.
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