Cricket in India: A Religion, A Passion, A Way of Life

 Hello, dear readers! Today, we are going to embark on a journey to the heart of India, where cricket is not just a sport, but a religion. 

The Deity of Cricket

In the annals of Indian history, Sachin Tendulkar, often regarded as one of the greatest cricket players, has been elevated to the status of a Hindu god, worshipped in temples by his ardent fans. The reverence for cricket players in India is so profound that their salaries often surpass imagination. 

The Lucrative World of Cricket

Believe it or not, the average salary of a professional cricket player in India exceeds that of players in the English Premier League, one of the world's most prestigious football leagues. Virat Kohli, One of India's most famous cricketers, Virat Kohli is making more money than many famous English Premier Leaguers if you combine his wages and endorsements.

The Unparalleled Popularity of Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL), which started in 2008, attracts an average of 170 million TV viewers per match. The total number of IPL viewers worldwide is a staggering 1.4 billion. The IPL only hosts 60 matches a year, yet its broadcasting rights from 2018 to 2022 were sold for an astronomical 5.3 trillion won.

Playing-cricket-in-India-Batsman-and-Catcher

Cricket: The Unifying Force

Cricket attracts 98% of all sports viewers in India, making it a highly sought-after platform for corporate sponsorships. The Cricket World Cup, held every four years, is broadcasted in over 100 countries with over 2 billion viewers. Major corporations like Hyundai, Samsung, and LG are among the key sponsors of Indian cricket. 

Cricket: A National Obsession

Despite its population and national power, India's performance in the Olympics is relatively poor. This is largely due to the Indian population's overwhelming focus on cricket. Indian children, unlike Korean children who play football, play cricket in any small open space they find. After school, they head to cricket academies, dreaming of becoming professional players. 

The Historical Roots of Cricket in India

Like many sports, cricket started in England and spread across the world with imperialism. It was introduced to India in the mid to late 19th century along with colonial rule. The British actively used sports as a tool for colonial control. Initially, cricket was a sport played among the British, but as colonial rule solidified, it was opened to the Indian upper class. 

Cricket: A Symbol of National Pride

The 1983 Cricket World Cup victory was a pivotal moment that sparked an explosion of cricket popularity in India. Winning the trophy in England, the country that once colonized India, cricket became a symbol of Indian pride and self-esteem. 

Cricket: A Pathway to Social Mobility

Today, one of the most important reasons for the Indian people's passion for cricket is that it serves as a shortcut to social mobility. Just as children in Brazil or Africa play football at every opportunity, Indian children play cricket. However, due to the caste system in India, social mobility is even more challenging. Excelling in cricket can leapfrog these barriers. 

In conclusion, cricket is more than just a game in India. It's a religion, a passion, a way of life. It's a unifying force that brings together 1.4 billion people, transcending religion, ethnicity, language, and caste. It's a symbol of national pride, a pathway to social mobility, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian people.

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