Cricket: a Religion India as a Nation Understands
CRICKET: A RELIGION INDIA AS A NATION UNDERSTANDS
There may be many religions in this secular country called India, but it is said that cricket unites Indians better than any religion can ever do. Although Hockey is the national game of India, it is cricket that enjoys supremacy in terms of fan following. With millions of ardent followers, cricket is the ‘religion’ of India. ‘Men in Blue’ are absolutely adored by the crazy cricket fans and their fame outshines the popularity of any other celebrity. Cricket in India is often referred to as ‘fever’ with millions of hearts throbbing, be it in the Metros, towns and villages.
It is the only sport in India which is popular amongst people of all age groups, gender, cast and creed. The love for the game is so immense on the day of the game crowds begin filling the stadium much before time on match days and especially if India is playing against their arch-rival Pakistan they even take the day off from work. The religion of cricket has no holy books but there are several Gods. From legendary players like “Sunil Gavaskar”, “Kapil Dev” to “Mahendra Singh Dhoni”, all have been extremely popular in India. “If cricket is the religion, Sachin is God” has become a popular saying. Sachin Tendulkar is regarded as a living legend, is worshiped by almost every cricket fan. Even International players never go unrecognized in the malls and streets of India. While there is maddening celebration after winning a game, effigies of players are burnt after losing one. One performance makes a player God for the fans, yet another makes him an object of bitter scorn. There are times when India loses a match, the stands get empty and sometimes people throw bottles at the opponent team – or even at the home side for their lack of aggression - to show their strong feelings. It's true that people are crazy and they want to see India win – at any cost.
There are some hard core cricket fans that they even plan their activities and travel plans
There may be many religions in this secular country called India, but it is said that cricket unites Indians better than any religion can ever do. Although Hockey is the national game of India, it is cricket that enjoys supremacy in terms of fan following. With millions of ardent followers, cricket is the ‘religion’ of India. ‘Men in Blue’ are absolutely adored by the crazy cricket fans and their fame outshines the popularity of any other celebrity. Cricket in India is often referred to as ‘fever’ with millions of hearts throbbing, be it in the Metros, towns and villages.
It is the only sport in India which is popular amongst people of all age groups, gender, cast and creed. The love for the game is so immense on the day of the game crowds begin filling the stadium much before time on match days and especially if India is playing against their arch-rival Pakistan they even take the day off from work. The religion of cricket has no holy books but there are several Gods. From legendary players like “Sunil Gavaskar”, “Kapil Dev” to “Mahendra Singh Dhoni”, all have been extremely popular in India. “If cricket is the religion, Sachin is God” has become a popular saying. Sachin Tendulkar is regarded as a living legend, is worshiped by almost every cricket fan. Even International players never go unrecognized in the malls and streets of India. While there is maddening celebration after winning a game, effigies of players are burnt after losing one. One performance makes a player God for the fans, yet another makes him an object of bitter scorn. There are times when India loses a match, the stands get empty and sometimes people throw bottles at the opponent team – or even at the home side for their lack of aggression - to show their strong feelings. It's true that people are crazy and they want to see India win – at any cost.
There are some hard core cricket fans that they even plan their activities and travel plans