How the Indian Diaspora Took Cricket Abroad
In a world divided by borders, cricket is the common language that unites Indian souls across continents. If there’s one prominent tradition that ensures the continuation of Indian identity despite the widespread dispersal of Indians worldwide, it is unquestionably the sport of Cricket. Hits and Sixes—nothing more exciting for the Indian community than seeing the Indian team triumph on international grounds. We Indians cherish cricket more than any other sport, not because of its British legacy but because it was already a part of our daily street games (popularly called ‘Gilli Danda’).
Sid Barnes traps Lala Amarnath in the Test between Australia and India at the MCG in 1948. By Unknown author - (1997) 200 Seasons of Australian Cricket, Ken Finn Books, p. 262 ISBN 0-33036-034-5, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3157967
Introduced by the British in the 18th century, cricket took root in Indian soil and blossomed post-independence as a symbol of national pride. The credit to the Indian Cricket Team’s extraordinary performance for this cricket fever goes without mentioning. The 1983 World Cup win under Kapil Dev was a turning point, igniting a passion that has only grown. The 2007 T20 World Cup victory further solidified cricket’s supremacy transforming the sport into a nationwide obsession. Lately, India's men's cricket team finally concluded a 13-year drought for winning the Twenty20 World Cup in a nerve-wracking final against South Africa.
We have shown the world how our Never Die spirit has brought us back in the last moments of Finals Match. India’s T20 World Cup victory is more than just a cricketing achievement, it is - a testament to the strength and resilience of the players, a thread that weaves together millions of hearts and a reflection of unwavering support and growing influence of the Indian diaspora in global sports. This victory is celebrated not just by domestic supporters but also by the large Indian diaspora which has played an important role in promoting cricket across the world. Whether in Mumbai or Melbourne, Delhi or Dubai; it brought tears of joy and moments of celebration, reminding us that cricket is an integral part of our identity.
Stories from different countries
It's a cliché, but nonetheless proven: Indians worldwide have an obsession with cricket. Our sheer numbers have elevated it to the world's second-most popular sport. As Indians migrated to various parts of the world, they carried with them the love for cricket. From the bustling streets of London to the serene suburbs of Sydney, Indian immigrants established cricket clubs, organized local leagues and nurtured the sport.
Indiaspora members at the T20WorldCup India vs. Pakistan match In New York on June 9th, 2024.
With its historical ties to India, the United Kingdom saw early waves of Indian immigrants who quickly established cricket as a staple in their communities. Stories like that of the British Asian Cricket Club (and now South Asian Cricket Academy) in the UK highlight the Indian community’s efforts to keep the game alive and thriving in foreign lands.
In the United States, the influx of Indian professionals in the late 20th century led to the formation of numerous cricket clubs and leagues, particularly in states like California, New Jersey and Texas. The Indiaspora team has also extended its support to the sport of Cricket, recently meeting Anil Kumble sir for the victory celebration.
Similarly, in Australia and Canada, Indian immigrants have infused their local communities with the spirit of cricket. Australia’s Big Bash League (KFC BBL and Weber WBBL) and Canada’s Global T20 have also attracted substantial interest and participation from the Indian community, highlighting their integral role in these leagues' success.
In the Gulf countries, especially the UAE and now Saudi Arabia, the South Asian diaspora has been key in promoting cricket. The UAE has hosted numerous international matches including the IPL for several years. With the aim to popularize cricket, Saudi Arabia has sought assistance from former Indian cricketers. In recent years, the IPL has also been played there. Ahmed Sattar, GKIISC president, told Arab News, “Cricket in the desert was just next to impossible a few decades ago. A country with a football craze had no idea of the game. Now popular, cricket has made its presence felt and made its roots strong, thanks to the efforts of the expats from South Asian countries, including India. The Indian diaspora has contributed by and large to this effort from the grassroots level to the management level of the game.” (Dr. Gayas Ahmed Sattar | Arab News) Both these countries have also been heavily banking on South Asian expats to promote the game (not merely as spectators but as representatives of their respective teams).
Personal stories from diaspora members illuminate the cultural integration facilitated by cricket. Take for instance, Raj Patel who emigrated from Mumbai to Toronto in the 1990s. He established the Toronto Indian Cricket Club, creating a space where fellow immigrants could gather, celebrate their culture and pass on their love for the game to their children. Similarly in Melbourne, Priya Sharma started a youth cricket academy to teach the sport to second-generation Indian-Australian children, ensuring that the love for cricket spans generations. These anecdotes underscore how cricket serves not only as a sport but as a vital connection to home and heritage, fostering community and identity in foreign lands.
Cricket as a Cultural Festival
The story of Cricket is also the story of how globalization impacts global culture and sport. The diasporic communities of South Asia have leveraged the sport and brought back the conception of Soft Power into relevance. Cricket has become a potent tool for India's diplomacy, leveraging the global Indian diaspora to foster international relations and cultural exchange. The Indian Premier League (IPL) and other high-profile cricket matches frequently align with diplomatic events serving as platforms for promoting international goodwill and cultural exchange. These sporting events play a significant role in elevating India's global profile particularly through the enthusiastic support of the Indian diaspora. It demonstrates how a shared passion for a sport can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers and contribute to improved cross-cultural understanding and diplomatic relations.
In case of the US, as India’s position in the world strengthens and bilateral relations between the two-gain importance globally; cricket diplomacy has become an evident phenomenon. The US cricket team, which consists of 11 players either born in India or whose parents migrated from India, was referred to as the H1B team by Shashi Tharoor: “As some brilliant wag also put it: Not the Indian A team, not the Indian B team, but the Indian H1B team.” (Shashi Tharoor on X)
Business of Cricket and the Diaspora
The economic impact of the Indian diaspora on cricket is profound. Diaspora's investment in cricket-related activities including purchasing merchandise, subscribing to sports channels and attending international matches injects significant revenue into the sport.
In the USA, most of the owners of the MLC teams and investors in the league are from the Indian diaspora. Four of the six American teams are co-owned by top teams in the IPL and share their names. The Texas Super Kings is partly owned by Chennai Super Kings, the reigning champions of the IPL. More importantly, these connections have allowed the MLC teams to borrow superstar players from their IPL partners. Cricket legend Anil Kumble became a successful entrepreneur having started TENVIC (sports training) to Spektacom Technologies Pvt Ltd (cricket powerbat).
Businesses like the Willow TV Channel in the USA dedicated to broadcasting cricket have thrived, thanks to the diaspora’s unwavering support. Economic data reveals that during major tournaments, there’s a noticeable spike in travel and hospitality industries as fans travel to support their teams. And it’s not just Indians. There are cricket-loving diasporas too from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The enthusiastic support from South Asian communities worldwide continues to elevate cricket’s status, fostering a shared cultural identity and enhancing the sport’s global appeal.
As the Indian diaspora continues to grow, so does the influence of cricket. Emerging trends such as the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics could further amplify its reach. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, marking a triumphant comeback for the game on the world’s grandest sporting stage. Eric Garcetti, the former Mayor of Los Angeles and now the US Ambassador to India, played a significant role in getting cricket included in the LA28 Olympics. With initiatives like the Global T20 leagues, the future of cricket looks promising with the diaspora playing a crucial role in its global expansion.
The Eternal Game
Cricket will always be more than a game for the Indian diaspora - it’s a legacy, a passion, and a symbol of unity. No matter where they are - Indians will continue to carry the love for cricket in their hearts passing it down through generations. Cricket is a cherished link to their homeland. Stories like that of Rohan Patel who watches every India match with his father despite being miles apart epitomize this bond. Cricket offers a sense of continuity, connecting generations and preserving cultural heritage. Whether it’s staying up late to watch a match or celebrating victories with traditional rituals, cricket is an emotional anchor for many. Research shows that it prompts a sense of uniqueness among first-generation Indian Americans, allowing them to navigate their dual identities (Ahir, 2023). The echo of bat striking a ball will always resonate, reminding us of our shared heritage and unbreakable bond. This love for cricket will continue to echo, ball by ball across generations as long as there are Indians scattered across the globe.
About the Author
Aksha Jain is a politico enthusiast and learner pursuing Political Science Honours from Delhi University. She has a keen interest in elocutions, debating and public speaking. She is experienced in research and content writing with demonstrated success in the social impact sector, research skills, data analysis and literature surveys. She writes articles, research papers, creative pieces, etc. on international relations, philosophy and women rights.
With her contribution to various organizations like the ASEAN Youth Organization, WICCI, Girl Up Club, International Parliament Journal and Youth Recommendations Committee (India) to UNCSW 68; she has worked in diverse work profiles and on varied socio-political issues. With the motto of “Serving mankind, Celebrating community”; she aims to bring about a positive change-driven impact.
