ICC World Cup 2023 – A sport that is like a religion in India
The scoreboard read 30/0 when Subham Gill was out on his World Cup Final’s, the biggest game of his budding career. Just a few hours ago, he had enormous responsibility placed on his 24-year-old shoulders as in the opening game. Along with Rohit Sharma the captian of Indian cricket team for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Ahmedabad. The commentator has categorically announced himself as a genuine batting sensation. With an innings in which he has dispatched some of the best bowlers in the world to all parts of the ground and he is only just getting started.
After Gill, Sharma, Kohli also couldn’t stand the ground for longer. But India played till last ball and the game overall was very interesting. It was not one sided like how many matches were won by India earlier in this world cup tournament 2023. The other side of the match with the opening of our very own Mohammed Shami was all it needed. And when he acquired the first wicket in the first over of a world cup final match against Australia. India hoped and prayed for the Win. With the end loss of world cup 2023, India has proved that cricket is a religion. And a connecting factor that stands with the slogan- ‘United we stand- divided we fall’
Lets dive deep into Cricket: A Religion in India.
Cricket in India has become a sense of national pride than the sport itself. I think that most Indians like cricket simply because India is good at it. This is not to say that there are not any fans in India who are genuinely crazy about cricket. I know many myself, but that is not different to those fanatical about cricket in other parts of the world. The mere existence of some passionate cricket fans in your country does not make it a cricket-crazy nation; it only makes it a cricket-playing nation.
There is always a great group of youths who go crazy for cricket in all generations from the time team India lifted the “World Cup” trophy way back in 1983. Before this achievement, Cricket was just another game introduced by British. It was their leisure play game while they were ruling India. The transition to becoming from just a sport to now the most entertaining sport. Cricket in the world and especially for Indians has been unbelievable. Every kid in an Indian house knows about this game. People in India play in every nook and corner in their free time. It is the most played game here.
It all started with, Kapil Dev Captain of India was the one who believed and proved that Indians can shine on the global stage despite all the challenges and failures at the time. And Sachin Tendulkar – the God of Cricket, he is the one who made cricket the largest and most commercial sport in the history of India with his eye-grabbing straight drive and back-to-back centuries. He will always remain the greatest icon of Indian cricket and world cricket too. Today, the business of the game has crossed crores. From Dhoni to Kohli, Fans go crazy for their idols and they bounce off the walls to view these matches live.
But the reality of it all is Indian fans, collectively, go crazy for India’s success and not the sport itself. This truth is at the core of the fallacious statement that Indians see cricket as a religion. Instead they see nationalism and patriotism as a religion, which manifests through their love for Indian cricket. This, I feel, also offers some insight into why Indian fans react so uniquely passionately to wins and losses when compared to other fanbases.
The reality is that Indian fans, despite their enormous population and incomparable “love” for the sport. They have repeatedly shown a disregard for cricket when India doesn’t play, or plays badly, even acknowledging this reality is difficult for the audience and so as the cricket fans.
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosted by India
The storied history of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup dates back to 1975. With nations battling for the esteemed title every four years. India, a cricket-loving nation, has had the honor of hosting the spectacle in parts in 1987, 1996, and 2011. The 2023 edition promises to be a celebration of cricket against the rich tapestry of India’s diverse culture.
Significance of Hosting World Cup in India
India’s connection with cricket goes beyond just being a sport; for many, it’s akin to a religion. When the streets go empty during crucial matches and children mimic their favorite cricketing stars in gullies, it’s a testament to the nation’s fervent passion. Hosting the World Cup only intensifies this bond.
Holding this marquee event amplifies India’s position on the global stage. It’s a matter of immense pride as eyes from every cricket-loving nation are glued to the host – India. The event presents a unique platform to display not only India’s passion for the game. But also its capability to host an event of such magnitude and complexity.
Cultural Integration
The World Cup offered a golden opportunity to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. From enthralling opening ceremonies with the national anthem. And featuring sky shows, classical dance forms to local festivities around match days, there’s a promise of a cultural extravaganza. Live music performances celebrating India’s diverse genres. And collaborations with local artisans ensured visitors get a taste of India in its full glory.
Conclusion
In essence, hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is more than just organizing matches; it’s about celebrating the spirit of cricket. And showcasing India’s prowess, and embracing the myriad opportunities it brings. Cricket is not just a game in India, it is a tool that brings brotherhood, and patriotism within the hearts of Indians . Circket is an Emotion, it is an Religion that has always proved the slogan by which it can be defined well. ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India is not just another tournament; it’s a testament to India’s deep-rooted cricketing legacy and its ability to host events of this magnitude. As Team India excelled in competing with the world’s best. The nation was strong standing united in hope and anticipation. No matter we won or lost, India played well in the ICC men’s cricket world cup. Which calls for a celebration of the spirit of the game- cricket.
