How Cricket Became India's Passion - History of Popularity

The sport of cricket is sometimes referred to be India's "religion" and has gained enormous popularity there throughout time. History, culture, and socioeconomic influences are a few of the reasons why cricket has become more popular in India. 

Role of Colonial Past

India's colonial past plays a crucial role in cricket's popularity there. In the 18th century, under the British Raj, cricket was introduced to India. 

It rose to popularity among the elite and subsequently trickled down to the populace as a sport linked with the governing class. The infrastructure for cricket was pushed to flourish by the British government, which helped the sport take off.

Scenario After Independence

With India's attainment of independence in 1947, cricket's popularity saw a significant increase. It gave Indians a chance to participate in a global arena and became a symbol of national pride and cohesion.

The Indian public's enthusiasm for cricket was further stoked by the Indian cricket team's victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup when they overcame all odds to win the championship.

Contributions of Cricketing Legends

The rise of Indian cricketing legends also contributed significantly to the sport's growth in popularity. Numerous aspiring cricketers around the nation were inspired by players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and subsequently, Virat Kohli, who became well-known figures in the sport.

The Indian audience was captivated by their extraordinary abilities, enthusiasm, and commitment, which propelled cricket to previously unheard-of levels of popularity.

Sponsors

The Indian populace and its love of sports may also be credited for cricket's success in the country. India, which has a population of over a billion, offers a sizable fan base and market for cricket. 

The love of sports is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, and millions of people were enthralled by cricket's exciting matches and dramatic moments. The popularity of the sport also resulted in a prosperous commercial sector that attracted funding from media organizations and corporate sponsors.

Indian Premier League(PIL)

In addition, the 2008 debut of the Indian Premier League (IPL) transformed cricket in India. Star players, top-notch cricket, and glitter and glam were all combined in the IPL to create a combination of cricket and entertainment. 

Franchise-based tournament design with teams from several locales sparked heated regional rivalries and fervent fan bases. The IPL made the sport more appealing by attracting players from across the world in addition to showcasing elite local talent.

Way Forward

The popularity of cricket in India is a result of a variety of historical, cultural, and socioeconomic aspects. 

Cricket's spectacular growth in popularity was fueled by several factors, including its colonial past, integration with Indian culture, the emergence of cricketing heroes, extensive media coverage, the nation's population and love of sports, and the introduction of the IPL. 

The Indian way of life has included cricket, which inspires its fans with great love, pleasure, and pride.

Written by Rahul