How Cricket Is More Famous Than Football In Our Country
With Great passion and enthusiasm, this is how Indians admire cricket and are so crazy about getting to know every cricket score. However, when we talk about Football, then there is no question that, among any sport, cricket has always been more popular. Cricket is often praised as a religion in India, swaying 93% of sports viewers.
There are loads of reasons behind cricket’s popularity, for instance, the Indian Premier League (IPL) solely fascinates people all around the world and has millions in revenue every year, while football has just caught the rail of popularity, seen a rise after the arrival of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League.
Certainly, both have a huge fan base that strikes global discussion. However, the question about football is not gaining much popularity as cricket is common among sports experts and fans.
From history to key factors, this post delves deep to find out why cricket is more popular than football in India.
History of Cricket in India
Brought by colonial rules, cricket gained rapid popularity among the Indian population. The sport’s strategic nature and thrill of victory resonated with people’s competitive spirit.
The 1983 World Cup winning moment made cricket a national sport more like a national obsession.
Likewise, cricket became deeply rooted in the hearts of Indian Cricket fans. Even in current times, it serves as a force that unites people of different regions and socioeconomic backgrounds.
History of Football in India
On the other hand, football too was introduced by the British but was not able to gain as much popularity as cricket in India. The missionaries and British soldiers introduced the game, expecting to gain speedy popularity as cricket, but it gradually became popular.
While football clubs such as Mohun Bagan got the iconic title by defeating the British team East Yorkshire Regiment in 1911, this game lacked the structural significance that cricket enjoyed
In the 1950s, there was a surge in football enthusiasts, which resulted in participation in the FIFA World Cup. However, football needs more popularity. Yet Indian football enjoys a strong fan base in regions like Bengal and Goa, yet not as wide as cricket.
Why Cricket Has More Popularity
Cultural Prospect
Know that the popularity of cricket score aligns with the Indian psyche. Winning an international tournament in cricket delivers national pride in people.
Undoubtedly, cricket is the considered holiest sports festival in India. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a vast T20 cricket tournament played in India by many capped and well-known players. While attracting vast viewers, it has the potential to generate revenue.
Bringing forth the ISL gave Indian football a different outlook and an upgraded fan following. While attracting international players, it also helped raise the profile of Indian Football. With the Indian football team gaining ground and a dedicated fanbase, it may not be a rival to the influence of cricket.
Affect of Infrastructure
Compared to football, India has invested a lot in infrastructure for cricket, as this is the sole sport to gather too many crowds at once. World-class stadiums, training facilities, academies, the count for facilities for cricket is few.
While football infrastructure is developing gradually, it lacks the pace of cricket. The ISL has helped in the development of new stadiums and training facilities, but high investments are required to match up with the level of cricket.
Economic Impact of Cricket in India
- Revenue Generation: The Indian cricket score drives major revenue in the Indian sports industry. The IPL stand-alone is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Hence, cricket attracts huge investments and boosts revenue generation via advertising, broadcasting, and sponsorship deals.
- Brand Endorsements: Indian cricketers earn the highest endorsement fees in the world, hence cricket brings economic impact.
- Job Creation: Cricket has generated countless job opportunities in India, which include commentary, administration, coaching, and many more. Likewise, creating a thriving ecosystem among various businesses and entrepreneurship.
Economic Impact of Football in India
- Infrastructure: Football’s growth led to investment in infrastructure, such as new stadiums and academies.
- Economic Potential: In comparison to the economic impact of cricket in India, football is still on the low. But with increased interests in corporate and international partnerships, in the future, Indian football teams could contribute to India’s sports economy.
Future of Sports In India
Cricket
- IPL continues to grow and attract both fans of cricket in India and worldwide.
- India’s winning track keeps cricket in the spotlight.
- Managing a routine lineup is a concern, due to frequent matches being played.
- No signs of slowing down in India.
- It is necessary to balance the growth with the sustainability of cricket in India.
Football
- The ISL is constantly improving football’s standing in India.
- Grassroots projects are helping to sustain upcoming Indian football teams.
- More and more young Indians are taking up football as their choice of sport.
- Improved facilities are a must for sports development.
- With constant support, football could match the level of cricket’s popularity, in the future.
Conclusion
The fame cricket is enjoying in India is a product of historical factors, cultural prospects, infrastructure, and economic power. On the other hand, football is not as popular as cricket but still picking up the pace gradually.
While fans are crazy for taking every cricket update, people who care for Indian Super League scores are few, and we are hoping that football will also be one of the most watched sports in India.
