To understand India, you need to understand cricket. In a country where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, and myriad other groups at times stand divided, cricket is the one uniting force. To attend a cricket match in India is to have your finger on the pulse of local culture. It’s the perfect complement to the other sides of India visitors can experience, from the white sandy beaches of Goa to the ornate palace-like hotels of Mumbai. Whether you’re interested in catching a domestic or international match, or just glimpsing ‘gully cricket’ in this incredible country, read on to learn more about the unique allure of cricket in India.
The Origins of Cricket in India
The first known mention of cricket in India was in 1721 by Clement Downing, an English seaman who worked for the East India Company. He wrote about his experiences playing cricket with other mariners drawing considerable attention from the locals. Next came the formation of the Calcutta Cricket Club in 1792 by British expatriates. It wasn’t until 1848 that Parsis formed the first Indian community-based club, the Oriental Cricket Club. This opened the door for other local cricket clubs to form and by the late 1800s the sport was hugely popular across the subcontinent. Fast forward to today and even those who don’t follow the game know that India is considered one of the greatest nations when it comes to cricket, due to their competitive dominance, and because the country is home to legends of the sport, such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket is the most-watched spectator sport in India, and millions play it at a recreational level. It generates the highest television viewership and raucous crowds fill the stadiums during international and Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Cricket is not the country’s official sport – it’s far more than that, it’s a festival, an emotion. And one heck of a holiday experience.
The Indian Premier League
Until you’ve seen cricket in India, you haven’t really seen cricket. Here, the most exhilarating and spectator-friendly form is Twenty 20 (T20), which is usually played in around three hours as opposed to test cricket’s four to five day-long matches. Attending a T20 Indian Premier League match is akin to the excitement of an English Premier League football match or an NFL game in the United States. Droves of die-hard fans fill the stadiums to cheer on their favourite players who are worshipped like demi-gods, while the aromas of dal, masala and samosas fill the air.
Where to Watch It
Cricket is everywhere in India. Whizzing down the congested streets of Delhi or Mumbai in a tuk-tuk will almost certainly offer a glimpse of street cricket, affectionately known as ‘gully cricket’.
Alternatively, visitors can witness the adrenalin-fuelled spectacle that is an Indian Premier League match at one of the country’s hallowed stadiums:
Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium
This international stadium and home ground of Mumbai cricket team and IPL franchise Mumbai Indians is positively intimate compared to other venues. Hosting just over 33,000 it still packs a punch, attracting a lively crowd which typically includes tourists from all over the world. The Wankhede Stadium is an iconic venue, having hosted some of the best cricket matches and launched some of the greatest talent the world has ever seen.
Kolkata Cricket Ground
Eden Gardens – the sport’s first purpose-built ground – is often referred to as the home of Indian cricket and, while Eden sounds idyllic, has also been described as ‘cricket’s answer to the Colosseum’. The fourth-largest stadium in the world houses 66,000 rowdy fans. Apart from international matches, the stadium hosts the Bengal cricket team and the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL franchise. Trying to concentrate while thousands of fans are screaming so loud that you can't hear yourself think is why playing at Eden Gardens is considered a rite of passage for a cricketer.
Delhi Cricket Ground
The Arun Jaitley Stadium was established in 1883 as the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, named after the nearby Kotla Fort. Since 2008 this legendary stadium has been the home of the Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) of the Indian Premier League. Famed for its cauldron-like, partisan atmosphere, playing at the Feroz is a huge test of nerve for opposing players.
Dharamsala Cricket Ground
Perched at an altitude of 8,108ft, in the home of the Dalai Lama, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (abbreviated as the HPCA) is the highest cricket ground in the world. Arguably also the most picturesque, it offers breath-taking views of the surrounding Himachal Range (Lesser Himalayas). The stadium served as the home ground for the Himachal Pradesh cricket team for Ranji Trophy matches, as a home stadium for Kings XI Punjab, and has hosted some IPL games. It’s worth visiting for the scenery alone.
That was a brief foray into the magic and mayhem of cricket in India. If you’re inspired to include the sport in your trip, our team can help. Making time for cricket in your tailor-made itinerary while journeying through incredible India will ensure your visit is packed with unforgettable memories.