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Is India's Cricket Passion Hurting the Game?
14 Feb
Summary
- Cricket's global reach faces challenges despite revenue.
- Smaller cricket nations get fewer chances to compete.
- Fans may be neglecting domestic leagues for national wins.
Cricket's aspiration for global popularity faces significant hurdles. While a single India-Pakistan match can generate substantial revenue, this does not necessarily reflect the sport's health worldwide. Many of the 20 teams in the men's T20 World Cup rarely play against stronger opponents, limiting their development and exposure.
Funding disparities also impact growth, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) concentrating resources on a few dominant nations, unlike football's FIFA. Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics was delayed partly due to the ICC's reluctance to adjust its tournament schedule.
The article also examines fan culture, contrasting the passionate support in India with the sustained local following in England. It suggests that a growing trend in India might favor watching only major international matches, potentially overlooking domestic competitions and the fundamental aspects of the game.
True love for cricket, the author argues, involves supporting domestic leagues, appreciating skilled play from all teams, and fostering the sport's growth globally. This goes beyond mere nationalistic cheering to embrace the game in all its forms and wherever it is played.
