- While Cricket is considered a religion in India, beyond its borders, the sport is experiencing challenges and a cursory study presents a tableau of successes and struggles.
- In today’s fast-paced global sporting landscape, characterized by shorter attention spans and demand for excitement, cricket’s traditional format faces challenges in retaining global viewership.
- Widely hailed as the world’s most popular sport, football holds promise as a viable alternative to cricket in India that can also be palatable to Indian viewers.
- In advocating for a diversified sporting landscape, India recognizes the enduring allure of cricket while embracing the evolving realities of the contemporary world.
In recent sporting news, India clinched their second T20 cricket World Cup title, marking a triumphant return to the global stage after a thirteen-year hiatus since their last World Cup win and an eleven-year gap since their last ICC tournament victory. This achievement underscores India’s longstanding dominance in cricket, a sport fervently pursued by a select few nations, chiefly India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. However, amidst the celebrations, the landscape of international cricket reveals challenges and contrasts that warrant deeper consideration.
Cricket, often referred to as a religion in India, enjoys unparalleled popularity and fervour among its populace. The sport’s cultural significance is embedded deeply within the fabric of Indian society, where heroes are made on the pitch and adoration extends beyond mere sporting prowess. This passion has fueled India’s rise as a powerhouse in world cricket, with formidable players and a robust domestic structure that nurtures talent from a young age.
Cricket Beyond India
Beyond India’s borders, the cricketing scene presents a diverse tableau of successes and struggles. Pakistan, historically a fierce competitor, finds itself embroiled in internal political turmoil that has adversely affected the development and cohesion of its cricketing infrastructure. Recent performances, such as their inability to chase a modest total of 120 runs and a surprising defeat to the USA team—a squad comprising several non-professional players—underscore the nation’s struggles amidst administrative challenges and player controversies.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, other regional cricketing stalwarts, face their domestic hurdles, which hamper their efforts to field consistently competitive teams on the international stage. Economic constraints, governance issues, and infrastructure deficiencies are just a few of the barriers that inhibit these nations from realizing their full cricketing potential.
The West Indies, once the undisputed champions of cricket with a legacy of iconic players and thrilling performances, now grapple with the lure of lucrative domestic leagues such as the IPL (Indian Premier League) and PPL (Pakistan Premier League). Many West Indian players opt for these high-paying opportunities over international commitments, diluting the once-formidable unity and prowess of the West Indies cricket team.
Conversely, England, traditionally a cricket stronghold, has witnessed a shifting focus towards football. The English Premier League (EPL) and Champions League now command significant attention, with massive investments and a wealth of talent diverting towards football, reflecting evolving sporting preferences and economic priorities.
In today’s fast-paced global sporting landscape, characterized by shorter attention spans and demand for excitement, cricket’s traditional format—often spanning several hours—faces challenges in retaining global viewership. The prevalence of one-sided matches and predictable outcomes further compounds these issues, prompting introspection within cricketing circles about the sport’s future appeal and sustainability.
Cricket’s survival, particularly at the international level, owes much to the sheer population sizes and passionate followings in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Afghanistan, a newcomer to the cricketing fraternity, has made significant strides despite the backdrop of national crises, highlighting the sport’s capacity to inspire and unify amidst adversity.
However, as India looks ahead, its demographic advantage as the world’s most populous country and its youthful population present an opportunity to diversify sporting interests beyond cricket. This strategic pivot is not merely about expanding sporting horizons but also about harnessing sports as a catalyst for broader economic development and geopolitical influence on the global stage.
Football
Widely hailed as the world’s most popular sport, football holds promise as a viable alternative to cricket in India that can also be palatable to Indian viewers. The global appeal of football is evident in its burgeoning popularity across diverse nations, including the United States — a nation traditionally lukewarm towards the sport but now witnessing a surge in interest and investment from prominent billionaires into European football clubs. The emergence of Major League Soccer (MLS) as a credible league, capable of attracting top-tier talent such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, underscores football’s growing allure and economic potential.
In the Middle East, countries have embarked on ambitious football projects, both domestically and through investments in European clubs. Qatar’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup and its efforts to secure star players like Kylian Mbappe demonstrate football’s dual role as a soft power tool and a lucrative revenue generator, shaping global perceptions and enhancing national prestige.
Kabaddi
An Indigenous sport traditionally played on mud fields, kabaddi has undergone a modern transformation in India with the introduction of mat-based formats and structured leagues. These innovations have revitalized kabaddi, making it more accessible and appealing to international audiences. Countries in Southeast Asia have shown a keen interest in the sport, drawn to its fast-paced, physically demanding nature. However, realizing kabaddi’s full global potential requires concerted efforts, including international tournaments, grassroots development, and the establishment of dedicated academies to nurture talent beyond India’s borders.
Cycling
Despite India’s favourable climate and diverse terrain, cycling lags on the global stage. The absence of Indian teams in prestigious events like the Tour de France highlights missed opportunities to showcase India’s natural beauty and cultural richness through cycling tourism. The country’s varied landscapes, from the majestic Himalayas to the picturesque Western Ghats and coastal regions, offer ideal settings for cycling enthusiasts and international events alike, promising not just sporting excellence but also economic benefits through tourism and infrastructure development.
In advocating for a diversified sporting landscape, India recognizes the enduring allure of cricket while embracing the evolving realities of the contemporary world. The domestic stronghold of cricket can continue to thrive, bolstered by ongoing investments in infrastructure and grassroots development. However, a strategic expansion into football, modernized kabaddi, cycling, and other global sports is essential to maximize India’s sporting potential, foster a culture of athletic excellence, and elevate the nation’s stature on the global stage.
In conclusion, while cricket remains deeply cherished in the hearts of millions of Indians, the imperative to diversify sporting interests and investments is clear. By leveraging its demographic advantage, geographical diversity, and cultural richness, India can emerge as a powerhouse not only in cricket but also in football, kabaddi, cycling, and beyond. Such a multifaceted approach not only promotes healthier lifestyles and national unity but also enhances India’s soft power and economic resilience in an increasingly interconnected world. As the sporting landscape evolves, India stands poised to lead by example, championing sporting excellence and innovation while honouring its rich sporting heritage.
(The author has an M.Sc. in Psychology and serves in NIMHANS. He writes regularly on politics, society, international affairs and technology. Views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of SamvadaWorld or its staff)
Aayush Pal 
Sindhuri Sai