Cricket is loved by millions worldwide. Here is its success, the experience and emotions felt by fans unpacked.
From a gentleman’s game to the second most loved sport in the world, with an estimated fan base of 2.5 billion viewers, cricket has risen significantly in the ranks of people globally.
The cricket fever does and will continue to spread, as more fans are hypnotised by the beauty of this sport.
Going by the swinging Duke, the swishing blade speckled with cherries, the fanatic crowd, the electric atmosphere that buzzes with emphatic cheers of “oohs“ and “aahs” and the dramatic storyline of every game, that feels like an action thriller, it is a safe assumption that this sport is more than just a game in the hearts of millions.
The fanbase is dominated by India with 53% of all urban Indians accepting that they watch the sport, as well as racking up over 100 million spectators – live and online – for each game of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The last 30 years has seen a monumental rise in the game’s popularity, what with shorter games, bigger scores and more matches – cricket, like all sports, is an alternate reality where all you are aware of and want to be aware of is the game.
But how can young cricketers be encouraged to continue and develop their passion for the sport?
It has to be the English Cricket Board (ECB) and local clubs who should reach out and support the ambitions of young cricketers and make them a reality.
Surrey County Cricket Club has organised a programme, called SACS, to aid and polish the skills of young aspirants.
It is high–quality coaching like so, that will boost their morale and confidence.
The next question is, why should you love the game in the first place?
What does it have that fuels the popularity and love for this sport?
As a passionate fan, cricket is the true definition of a hobby– it is an activity that can span multiple days and requires in-depth, technical knowledge for one to recognise its value.
It is more than just a game.
It is the representation of patience, because unlike other sports, which may be over in a couple of hours, cricket is a slow-paced game that harnesses the tactical and strategical genius of a player.
In short, this game is a rainbow of opportunities, with each colour representing the multitude of skills, virtues and emotions that one experiences and learns in a single game.
And yes, it is the first rainbow that ends with a pot of gold.
