If you’ve ever visited India, you’ll agree that cricket is more than just a sport there – it’s a way of life. Cricket is India’s most popular sport, and it is not uncommon to see people playing cricket in the streets, in parks, and even on rooftops. But how did cricket become India’s favorite sport?
It is believed that cricket was first introduced to India by British sailors in the 18th century. Its popularity is almost similar to that of the best online casino. The game quickly gained popularity among the Indian people, and by the 19th century, it was being played all across the country. Cricket soon became a source of pride for Indians and a symbol of Indian culture.
The Indian national cricket team has been playing international cricket since 1932 and has been very successful. Here are some reasons cricket gained popularity and why it has stood the test of time!
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Availability of stadiums
Playing any sport requires one to have the necessary skills. Training is vital to learn and perfect the skills needed to play cricket. Every town in India has at least one cricket stadium.
The stadiums are well maintained and have great training facilities and coaching resources. It is at these stadiums that talents are developed. The best part is that both professional cricketers and newbies can easily access the facilities.
Easy to play
The equipment needed to play cricket makes the sport easy to play. You only need a bat and a ball to play cricket. This is the reason why you can spot people playing cricket even on the streets of India. Most professional cricketers start playing the game on the streets and in the villages.
All-inclusive
Although the International Cricket Council Board introduced the minimum age of 15 years to play cricket globally, children start playing the sport at even 5 years. One can enjoy playing cricket even in old age as much as one wants.
Walking Cricket was started to involve the disabled and the old in playing the game.
Financial gain
The amount of money pumped into the cricket sport from television and sponsorship is a great deal. Many professional players also get advertisement deals from well-established companies to endorse their products and this is well-paying.
The kind of life lived by professional cricketers is a luxurious one. This makes the young ones get motivated with the hope of living a similar life in the future. That’s why they are very determined to become great at the game. The money associated with cricket makes it a favorite sport in India.
Media coverage
Cricket is a very lucrative sport, not just for the players, but also for businesses. Whenever there is an upcoming game of cricket, especially one involving the Indian National Team, most adverts are centered around the event.
Statistics show that, of all sports views in India, more than 90% are for cricket. Remember, India has a population of 1.38 billion people. Media houses use this information to make business for themselves.
Online betting
Cricket is a source of income for Indians. This is not limited to earning as a cricketer. There is a fast increase in the number of online betting sites in India.
According to statistics, 80% of Indians gamble at least once a year. It is, therefore, explainable for the rising number of betting companies. Most of the games placed on the platforms are for cricket.
Before you place a bet, you must have reliable information because your goal is to win. Therefore, the gamblers have to do extensive research and analysis of the teams and the sport as a whole. India is a middle-income country. This is the reason why most citizens treat online betting as an extra source of income.
Fun to watch
The adrenaline rush is very high while watching a cricket match. The game is very engaging and fast-paced. This makes the public very interested in the game and it can be evident during any cricket match in India where the stadium is filled with spectators.
Physical strength and keeping fit
Indians’ body build-up is favorable for the cricket game. Cricket is a quick game and requires speed in terms of reaction time.
It is also a good sport to keep fit as it’s very engaging, making the body well exercised. Exercise is very beneficial for our health.
Verdict
We’ve seen the many reasons cricket become popular and why it is still India’s favorite game. You’ll agree that the game has many endearing qualities that make it stand out. These include the fact that it is relatively simple to learn and play, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and it fosters a sense of camaraderie and fair play.
It’s clear that cricket is there to stay in India, and it looks like the sport is only going to grow in popularity in the years to come. So, whether you’re a fan of the game or not, it’s worth taking the time to understand what makes cricket so special to Indians. After all, it may just be the most popular sport in the world someday.
