In the Indian sub continent, Cricket is perhaps the most popular sport. Its ever increasing popularity is attributed to the fact that people in this region are of a little more laid back attitude. Moreover, perhaps people also like the quick decision changing attribute of the game. Whatever the cause of its immense popularity, cricket and cricketers enjoy a godly status in the Indian subcontinent. The countries that are mostly involved in the game are India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, all of which were once British colonies. The countries actually started playing cricket after learning the game from British but continuously made progress on their own even after the foreigners left the nations. It should be mentioned that cricket draws back its origin from England from where it was exported to other countries. Nowadays, it is a popular sport being played all over the world.The history of cricket spans a period starting from the 16th century till present. The international matches of one day cricket started since 1844 and the Test cricket matches since 1877. The latest version of cricket, the 20-20 matches also draw huge crowds in the Indian subcontinent. The commencement of Cricket World Cup in 1975 increased the passion and popularity of cricket many times than earlier. The Sub-Continent Nation World Cup also enjoys a similar obsession and popularity.
India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka had a very brilliant history in cricket world cup, holding the World Cup Trophy once each. Under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, India lifted the world cup in 1983 that not only increased the passion and fervor for the game but also gave the sports the level of national sports. In 1992, Pakistan lifted the world cup under the captaincy of Imran Khan. Sri Lanka won the World Cup title in 1996, under the captaincy of Arjuna Ranatunga. Bangladesh got a late entry into the world cup but the passion and zeal for the sport is no less in the country. They are also in the queue for the title.
The last edition of the World Cup was held in 2007 which was ninth edition of the tournament. The subcontinent witnessed the same flow and passion even when the players, the captaincy and the look had changed. New colorful outfits and some new rules had managed to initiate rocking fervor and stunning passion for the game in the sub continent.
The 2011’s World Cup is scheduled to be played in the sub continent itself. It is believed that the event will increase the love for the game to newer heights. However, a gloom is created by the terrorists, especially when the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Lahore, Pakistan in 2009. This has stirred up a whole lot of debates on the topic whether the sub continent is a safe place to hold such an important series. However, Indian and Sri Lankan officials have claimed that there will be a heightened security arrangement for the players. The hopes for a victory for any of the four nations is understandably obvious as the performances of the nations are turning back to optimum level.
The traditional support for cricket in the sub continent is also offering much dividend to the cricket foundations. The BCCI is the richest cricket control board in the world and the shares being paid out to ICC is understandable. This clearly signifies the popularity and love of the Indian people for the game. The other countries in the region are also not far behind in the race.
The 2011 will hopefully be a benchmark setting experience. It is also understood that the cricket lovers of the sub continent are eagerly waiting for the season to come. Provided that no unfortunate events take place that threaten the hopes of the World Cup being held in the sub continent, it is surely going to be an enjoyable and memorable phase of cricket for the region. The countdown has already begun and players are fighting tough to improve their rankings and forms. People are also getting glued to the TV sets as a preparation for the world cup. In the meantime, every cricket lover from the Indian sub continent is wishing “all the best” to cricket and cricketers.
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