When you think of a country and its favorite sport, the first few associations are usually England and football, or America and Baseball. Spain is so good in multiple sports that it does not apply that much as they dominate in both football and basketball. Numerous African countries are undisputed champions of long-distance running, while Jamaicans thrive in sprints. Canadians and Russians adore their hockey and Alpine countries are the best at skiing. When you think of China and South Korea, you think of table tennis and archery. There is one more country/sport combination that is perhaps even more popular, particularly because of the fact that the sport is not as big anywhere else in the world.Â
The love story of India and cricket is a timeless one, a neverending passion that stands the test of time year in and year out. While many other Commonwealth countries dominate the sport of cricket, India loves it the most and they are without any doubt the leaders in the world when it comes to it. This is why when we talk cricket, we have to talk about India. If you are a fan of the sport, stick to the end as we dive deep into this interesting story. It is especially an important topic for those among you who are also online betting. Check out Sportsbet India for more on the latest odds and predictions.Â
The Origins of Cricket in India
The sprawling country saw its first influx of cricket craze during the 18th century. The British colonists introduced the game to the locals and it quickly gained mass popularity, especially in the most urban centers like Bombay, called Mumbai today, and Calcutta, now Kolkata. During the 1700s, the country went through numerous changes across all of its areas, from industrialization to economy and standard of living. The sport helped pass the time and allowed the locals a new way to have fun and engage with one another, as well as with the Brits who came to this distant new colony. The first recorded cricket match in India took place in 1721. By the middle of the 19th century, there were amateur and professional clubs appearing all over the place.Â
In 1848, the Bombay Cricket Association was founded and the popularity of the sport soared even further. The Indian National Congress was the next big deal, not just for the sport but the country as a whole, as their national identity was shaping up due to the independence movement. If the people required a unifying force to rally behind, it was cricket. The beautiful game transcended regional, cultural, and political differences and boundaries and always gave the folk something to believe in. In the year 1928, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, or BCCI in short, helped organize and regulate the sport and made way for India to become internationally involved in the sport.Â
After independence from the United Kingdom was finally achieved, cricket again soared in popularity and became more than just a game. It was elevated to a symbol, a source of national pride, which culminated in India’s win at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. A pivotal moment, to say the least, it ignited an absolute frenzy throughout the country. Television and the onset of the Indian Premier League (IPL) propelled its popularity and blended entertainment with the sport, resulting in what we have today. In modern times, India is one of the best in the world and their league is also top-tier. The sport is a part of their culture and it is celebrated as a national passion.
Betting on Indian Cricket
In other parts of the world where cricket is not a national sport, nor it is an activity played by the people, it still has a prominent role in an increasingly important way. Cricket is on the rise as one of the most intriguing and beloved betting sports and not just in countries that play it well. Australia, Scotland, Pakistan, South Africa, and a few others are all great at it, but far and wide people are tuning in to follow the games solely because of their online betting tickets. Sports betting enthusiasts have realized the potential and are now actively participating in this new trend.Â
As a betting sport, cricket has a lot to offer and is quite similar to the usual options like football or golf. It is a growing fascination and a significant aspect of the modern way of following it. You can bet on many different outcomes, the most common of which is the match bet, i.e. who will win a single match. If you have a good feeling about which team or country will take the win, place a bet on them and wait for the result. A similar but tougher bet to win is the outright bet, which involves betting on the outcome of a tournament or a series like the winner of the league, a playoff series, or the World Cup. It is a long-term bet that offers good odds before the event’s start.
Prop bets are more nuanced and specialized where you pick an intricate stat or circumstance of a match and bet on it. You can try to predict the top run-scorer, the number of sixes hit, or whether or not there will be a century score. There are numerous bets here and not every platform offers the same. Last but not least, there is live betting where you bet on a game that is going on at that moment. You can wager during the match as it unfolds in front of you. It is exciting, dynamic, and high-stakes so more experienced bettors should enjoy it most.
What is to Come?
The 2025 season is months away as it is scheduled for March. It will be the 18th edition of the IPL and will feature 10 teams. The defending champions are Kolkata Knight Riders who won their 3rd title in 2024, the previous two being in 2012 and 2014. The season has 74 matches meaning a ton of fun both for the fans and bettors. Next year will also feature the Women’s Cricket World Cup, of which India is the host. It will be a great year for the country and the sport!
