Cricket is indisputably a global sport. Although it has its origins in England, it has definitely made its mark on a fair percentage of the world. But some countries have a greater number of fans and participants than others.
India is one such country. Although it hasn’t always been in the number 1 position, cricket is undoubtedly the country’s national sport, and it is beloved by many. Let’s take a look at its origins in the country, and how this popularity manifests itself.
Cricket’s origins in India
Cricket first came to India in the 1700s along with the British colonials. The first known game was played between English sailors from the East India Company in the early part of the century. In fact, it is thanks to the East India Company in general that the sport gained popularity in the region. As workers settled in the area, they started introducing their customs to local people, and cricket quickly caught on in popularity.
The first club was formed in 1792 in Calcutta (current-day Mumbai), and the first inter-city match took place between Calcutta and Madras in 1864. This was the official start of competitive cricket in the country. By the end of the 19th century, the first “international” game was played between English and Indian teams.
Today’s cricket
As the sport continued to grow, clubs started opening up all over the country. Today, there are almost 4000 clubs around the country, of all levels. And the domestic competition is tough: making it to the Indian cricket World Cup is a goal that thousands of cricketers aspire to all over the country. The India Premier League is one of the biggest events of the year, and even though it is a domestic tournament, it is known nationally as a testing ground for some of the top players in the world.
Who follows cricket in India?
So, who exactly are the biggest followers of the game? The answer is everyone, basically. One of the reasons that the sport has become so popular is because it is a way for Indians to come together. The country is very diverse in terms of ethnicities, language groups, etc. And although people are devoted to their local teams, cricket provides a common language for people across the country to communicate in. And, of course, they are all on the same side when it comes to international games, particularly against famous rivals like Pakistan.
Enthusiasm for the sport takes many different forms – people gather wherever they can to watch games on TV or online. With the growth of multiple streaming platforms, it is now easier than ever to catch a game. It’s not uncommon to walk down the streets in India and see a group of people huddled around a smartphone cheering on their team.
Wagering on the sport
And, of course, when people start to become super enthusiastic about a sport, it isn’t long before they start to put their money into it. Betting is also super common now. With the growth of betting sites, people can simply go online and put their money on their team. And with the rise in alternative forms of payment, such as cryptocurrency, people no longer have to worry about national boundaries or any type of incompatibility.
If you look around online, you can figure out which app is best for IPL betting. There is a lot to choose from, so take your time. You could end up winning big! And you may just find yourself a new favorite hobby. As online betting grows in popularity, the stakes are becoming higher and higher.
No stopping cricket now
Cricket has found a firm place in Indian society. Indeed, there is a whole world of culture that surrounds it, and it will only continue to grow. If you’re not yet part of the scene, head out and try to hit a game in person, or try to catch one at the local pub with other enthusiasts. You’ll quickly see why it is so beloved by many. And once you do, you will surely want to keep going back to see who comes out on top.