Should Cricket Be the National Game of India?

It is considered the de facto national sport of the country, although it has never been officially declared as such. Despite its immense popularity, there is a debate over whether cricket should be the national game of India. In this article, we will explore the arguments for and against cricket being the national game of India.


Historical Background


Cricket was introduced to India by the British during their colonial rule. The game quickly gained popularity among the locals, and it became an integral part of Indian sports culture. Cricket is now played at all levels in India, from the streets to the international arena.

It is the most-watched sport in the country and has given birth to many legendary cricketers.


Arguments in Favor -


1. Popularity


It is played and watched by millions of people across the country. The Indian Premier League (IPL), the domestic T20 league, attracts viewers from all over the world, making it one of the most-watched sports leagues globally.

Given the sport's popularity, declaring it the national game of India makes sense.


2. National Pride


Cricket has brought immense pride and joy to the people of India. The country has produced some of the best cricketers in the world, who have brought home many accolades and victories.

For many Indians, cricket is a source of national pride, and declaring it as the national game would only reinforce this feeling.


3. Economic Benefits


Cricket has also brought enormous economic benefits to India. The IPL and other cricket events generate a significant amount of revenue for the country. The sport has also provided employment opportunities to many people, including cricketers, coaches, ground staff, and other professionals.


Arguments Against -


There are several arguments that can be made against the proposition that cricket should be the national game of India. Here are a few subheadings with their respective arguments.


1. Diversity of India


Many other sports, such as hockey, kabaddi, and football, are also played and loved by people in different parts of the country. Declaring cricket as the national game may marginalize other sports and cultures, which may not be fair to them.


2. No official National Game Designation


One of the main arguments against cricket being the national game of India is that the country has not officially designated any sport as its national game.

Despite popular belief, no legislation or government order declares cricket as India's national game. Therefore, it would be premature to argue for or against the proposition.


3. Lack of Popularity


Another argument against the proposition is that cricket may not be the most popular sport in India. While it is true that cricket has a massive following in the country, there are several other sports that are equally popular.


For instance, field hockey, which is the official sport of India, has a rich history in the country and has won multiple Olympic medals. Other sports such as football, kabaddi, and badminton also enjoy significant fan bases in India.


4. Regional Bias


Another argument against cricket being the national game of India is that it may be biased toward certain regions of the country. Cricket is more popular in certain parts of India, such as the north and west, compared to other regions.

Designating cricket as the national game is an affront to those regions where other sports are more popular.


5. Inadequate Infrastructure


Another argument against the proposition is that India may not have adequate infrastructure to support cricket as the national game. While cricket is a popular sport in India, many parts of the country need more infrastructure to develop and promote the sport. Designating cricket as the national game could lead to a further concentration of resources towards a sport that may not be accessible to all.


The End Note


After analyzing the arguments for and against the proposition of cricket being the national game of India, it can be concluded that there is no clear consensus on the matter. While cricket is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the country, there are valid arguments for why it may not be the most suitable choice for a national game.


On the one hand, cricket has played a significant role in shaping the country's identity and has brought people together across regions, religions, and languages. It has also brought India significant international success and recognition.


However, there are concerns that the focus on cricket has come at the expense of developing other sports and that the sport's commercialization has led to a decline in its values and ethics. Ultimately, whether or not cricket should be the national game of India is a matter of personal opinion.


While it is essential to celebrate the sport's successes and acknowledge its importance in Indian society, there is a need to promote and support other sports as well. The focus should be on developing a culture of sports in the country, where all sports are given equal opportunities and recognition, and athletes are supported regardless of the sport they play.



Written By - Manish Kumar


Edited By - Riya Dabas