The English framed the rules for Playing cricket in the 16th century, which became the country’s national sport in the 18th century. The English carried the game to their colonial countries and in the 19th and 20th centuries. International matches were played from 1844, and Test cricket began. However, Cricket remains the world’s second most popular spectator sport after soccer or Football. In India, Cricket edged out India’s national sport, hockey, and all other major sports, like Football. Cricket became a dominant, monopolistic, and even hegemonistic game.
I leave the early history of cricket aside, which is on Wikipedia and thousands of other websites. Cricket during my childhood meant only test cricket, played in two innings, and spread over five days and usually the series with 3 or 5 matches. In a one-all or a two-all draw, the last test could stretch by one extra day. The test matches played in Kolkata between the sixties and the nineties at our stadiums bettered the excitement of today’s biggest festivals. People trooped into the stadium with tiffin carriers, flasks for hot beverages, bugles, gongs and conches, wearing whites, caps and sunscreens et al.. Hitting home after the day’s match, a quick shower and something to eat, the stadium returnees would hurry to their usual ‘adda’ joints to explain the ball by ball narratives. Those unlucky ones who missed the events live will listen to the stories open-mouthed without blinking their eyelids.
There was a time when the five day’s game was a drag on countries. When there were doubts about its continued relevance, a changed, limited over format by the Australian Media Mogul Kerry Packer revived the interest in the game. A newer version of cricket evolved further with a T20 format. The changes have made India a leading cricketing country, contributing to 70% of the ICC’s coffers. BCCI is the country’s most influential sporting body, with politicians of every hue and shade vying to be its part, leaving behind their political differences.
The Indian Premier League was adrenaline to the sport, introducing teams and auctioning cricketers, raking the moolah for everyone. Cricket stars soon rivalled the popularity of famous millionaires, restricted for long to movie stars. Rivalries of countries were settled on the ground over 22 yards, willow and leather. The historical differences between India and Pakistan and their frenzied fans ensured the highest revenues. A win or loss would make one set go wild and crazy with jubilation and the others sulking as if losing a military battle.
If Nationalism is profound, it must be on the grounds where matches are played. There can be no other where so many national flags flutter together with pride, and fans cry horse egging the players to crush the opponents. Indianness engulfs the fans, billions glued to their TV sets. Finally, a roar, and fireworks illuminating the skies, determine the outcome of the game in our favour.
Cricket cements minds and moods when politics are forgotten; castes are discarded, and the owners sit with their employees and servants watching and cheering our boys and jeering the opponents. A few keep praying to gods to help their team win, like Mrs Nita Ambani.
Today, India and their sworn adversaries, Pakistan, are clashing in the UAE for the T20 world cup. My best wishes to the Indian team for a resounding win.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
