Cricket is recession proof, revels even in scandals and controversies

If evidence was needed about cricket’s growing influence, there was plenty available recently. Sourav Ganguly assumed office like a rockstar political leader in full media glare, chased for sound bytes and on-the-go quotes. His taking fresh guard was a grand coronation befitting a new king.

Then, away in Australia, the ICC Women’s World Cup was launched by Kareena Kapoor Khan, another sign of Indian cricket capturing new territory and pushing the boundary. That global cricket events need India’s support was known, what is new is a top film star readily agreeing to play second fiddle.

India’s abiding love affair with cricket defies comprehension. Pundits and social observers offer many reasons: there was, in the past, the British legacy, princely patronage and participation of the social elite. Later, together with celebrity support and presence of legendary superstars, cricket became a mass sport and part of India’s DNA.

Of course this doesn’t adequately explain cricket’s amazing connect with India. That a sport can become a ‘religion’ and get attached to national emotion and identity is till yet a bit of a mystery. This question popped up when the Supreme Court decided to reform

BCCI which, someone pointed out, is one of 10 million registered societies in the country. The Honourable Court played with a straight bat to provide context to why it decided to roll up its sleeves and get its hands dirty to clean up the mess.

The Court gave sound reasons for getting involved. Cricket, it observed, is of ‘national interest’ and important to countless cricket lovers. The sport belongs to fans and if their trust in administration/governance is breached there is need to step in and right the wrong.

There never was any doubt about cricket’s power and influence. It was once said (famously by Raj Singh Dungarpur) that the selection of the Indian cricket team is as important as a cabinet reshuffle announcement. Cricket is at the same level as politics and films though sometimes these boundaries get blurred. Sourav represents Indian cricket but his political value is formidable. There are whispers too, till date unverified, of MSD playing a political role in his home state.

Cricket’s partnership with films is well established - both thrive on glamour and mass appeal. But even here, recent developments have moved things forward in a rush. The spate of biopics (on SRT, MSD, Azhar) and cricket-themed films (the 83 World Cup) demonstrate the power and potential of cricket. Cricket’s current superstars enjoy a cult status similar to those of the Khans.