India’s evolving sporting landscape

If you grew up in India in the 90’s, there was only one sport you could possibly be interested in – cricket. No other sport – with the possible exception of football – was even on the sporting horizon. Cricket dominated every aspect of the sporting landscape and bullied all other sports into submission.

But today, a sporting revolution is underway. The ‘other sports’ have taken up their pitchforks and knives and have marched up to cricket’s palace to knock it off its throne. While cricket is still number one, it is only a matter of time before this revolution, like all revolutions before it, will usher in a new order, one which will at least challenge cricket’s supremacy.

The last few years have seen a steady drop in cricket’s popularity. Not only can this be observed in the television ratings, but also in its reduced presence on social media. What is the reason for this? One reason could be the sheer overdose of the sport. Cricket matches and tours are held year-round with no seeming breaks in between. Another reason is the growing imbalance between ball and bat, resulting in inflated batting averages and, at times, tedious viewing.

The result -the door, which was tightly locked and guarded for many years, had opened a tiny crack. And the other sports; kabaddi, football, badminton, and hockey took full advantage, smashed the door open and made their entry onto the national stage.

It is interesting to see how the IPL, India’s flagship T20 league, has served as a model for other sports to launch their own leagues. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the Indian Super League (ISL), the Premier Badminton League and the Hockey India League have all taken inspiration from the IPL’s business model and have seen great success as a result of it.

The PKL has propelled the ancient sport of kabaddi to dizzying heights of popularity. On the fringes, with one foot in the grave, a decade ago, kabaddi is now the second most watched sport in the country. The first edition of the PKL was watched by 435 million people. And the 2017 edition garnered more viewership than the cricket series between India and Sri Lanka, something considered unimaginable a few years ago.

India has always been a one-nation sport. Cricket was the perfect fit for the average Indian. It didn’t require great bulk or height and demanded great levels of mental strength and concentration, something Indian’s are renowned for. But modern India is more confident and secure about its standing in the world and this has changed our outlook on the sport. We seem ready to move away from the comfort cricket has come to represent and seek out new sporting terrains to conquer.