For the past several decades, India has witnessed numerous modes of mass entertainment that come and go like waves, but one particular element among them has refused to fade, however, be it the financial, political or social circumstances of the nation. Cricket has evolved in India from a sport or simple pastime popular to the heartbeat of millions, proudly designated as the common interest of all types of people, breaking down barriers of class, economic status, age or sex. A national or international cricket match remains a priority concern for all citizens, leading to large-scale media coverage and a bit of industrialization of the game.
The hype of cricket in India has subsequently sparked growing concern among several Indians about the current and future status of other sports in the country. While cricket is vigorously celebrated across the country, it has unknowingly overshadowed almost every other sport, including the national sport. Gone are the days when the entire nation used to hold its breath along with hockey commentary broadcast on the radio. New talents from the Indian cricket team gain fame by spreading like wildfire across the country and beyond in no time, while newcomers from other sports are not even publicly recognized.
The main reason behind the uncontrolled dominance of cricket in India can be attributed to the introduction of televisions into local homes with the dramatic victory of the Indian cricket team in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. This instilled a profound and bubbling interest among the people for this game. leading to the current state with the help of other factors. The next very important causal force can be recognized as the clash of eras of rapid economic and financial development of the country with the advent of a lavish Indian cricket team.
Cricket has been very easily given an enabling environment in India, mainly due to the lack of strong competition as very few countries take cricket seriously as a sport, and even those that do consider it a sport. secondary. Furthermore, since the closest youth icons available in India for media advertising are cricketers, BCCI seized on the situation and took cricket to great heights, making it the highest paid sport in the nation. As a result, if Indian parents ever want their children to become professional athletes, cricket is primarily their only option, which is attributed to the fame, luxury, and wealth associated with it.
Evidently, the government not only provides insufficient financial support and encouragement to teams or individual players of most other sports, but even society does not pay enough attention to other games due to the conventional practice of Indians to abstain. to experiment and follow the rules. crowds doing what is popularly accepted. In particular, while Indian cricketers are paid in millions of rupees, many other athletes face difficulties making a living even on a modest basis. If the current trend continues, an unsettling phase of lethargy will take hold of Indian sports, limiting them solely to cricket.
