Is Cricket Overshadowing Other Sports in India? How It Affected the Growth of Football and Other Sports

Introduction

Cricket is not just a sport in India—it’s a religion. The game has garnered unparalleled support across the country, dominating the sports scene for decades. While the passion for cricket in India is undeniable, the sport's overwhelming popularity has overshadowed other sports like football, hockey, and athletics. This has led to the stunted growth of these sports, despite India's enormous potential to excel in them. In this blog, we explore why cricket dominates the Indian sports landscape, the regional preferences for football and cricket in India, and how cricket's massive influence has affected the development of other sports.

The Rise of Cricket in India

The story of cricket's popularity in India begins with British colonial rule. Introduced by the British in the 18th century, cricket quickly became a favorite pastime for the Indian elite. Over time, the sport spread to different parts of the country, evolving into a cultural phenomenon after India's independence.

The turning point in Indian cricket came in 1983 when the Indian national cricket team won the ICC Cricket World Cup. This victory was monumental, igniting nationwide interest in the sport. Since then, cricket has seen exponential growth in terms of infrastructure, sponsorships, and media coverage. The establishment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 further solidified cricket’s dominance, as it provided a glamorous and highly commercialized platform for both Indian and international players.

Cricket vs. Football: The Regional Divide

Interestingly, while cricket dominates most of India, there’s a notable regional divide in terms of sporting preferences. The Southern states, particularly Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Goa, have a long-standing affection for football. In contrast, cricket reigns supreme in the Northern, Western, and Eastern parts of India. Understanding this regional preference can offer insights into the broader sports culture in the country.

1. Southern India and Football's Popularity

Football enjoys immense popularity in states like Kerala, Goa, and West Bengal, where local leagues and football traditions have been deeply rooted. Kerala, for instance, has a footballing culture that stretches back to the early 20th century, with the Santosh Trophy and the Kerala Football Association promoting the sport at the grassroots level. Football matches in Kerala often see packed stadiums, reflecting the region's undying love for the sport. Similarly, Goa has a strong footballing tradition, fostered by its Portuguese colonial past. Teams like Dempo SC and Churchill Brothers are household names in Goan football.

The Indian Super League (ISL), established in 2013, has further boosted the popularity of football in Southern India. Teams like Kerala Blasters FC have garnered significant local support, and the ISL has offered a platform for football to compete with cricket, albeit on a smaller scale.

2. Northern India’s Love for Cricket

In the Northern parts of India, cricket overshadows football and other sports. States like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have produced some of the finest cricketers in the country, including Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina. Cricket's dominance in these regions can be attributed to several factors, including better infrastructure, government support, and, most importantly, media coverage.

The influence of media, particularly television and social media, has played a significant role in shaping the sporting preferences of the North. Cricket matches, especially IPL and international games, receive prime-time slots and extensive coverage, making it difficult for other sports to capture attention. Moreover, cricket has been positioned as a more glamorous sport, with endorsements and celebrity status further enhancing its appeal.

Cricket’s Overwhelming Dominance and Its Impact on Other Sports

While cricket has brought India global recognition, it has also inadvertently stifled the growth of other sports. Football, hockey, athletics, and even India’s national game, field hockey, have struggled to gain the same level of attention, sponsorship, and government backing.

1. Lack of Infrastructure for Other Sports

One of the primary reasons why other sports have lagged behind is the lack of infrastructure. Cricket enjoys state-of-the-art stadiums, training facilities, and coaching centers spread across the country. In contrast, sports like football and athletics often have to make do with substandard facilities. According to a report by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, out of India's total sports budget in 2022, 48% was allocated to cricket, leaving little for other sports. The lack of investment in grassroots programs for football, hockey, and athletics has hindered talent identification and development.

2. Media Coverage and Commercialization

The commercialization of cricket, particularly through the IPL, has skewed public perception in favor of cricket. The media provides disproportionate coverage to cricket, with live broadcasts, pre-and post-match analysis, and continuous news updates. Other sports struggle to secure significant media attention. For instance, football's ISL or hockey's Hockey India League (HIL) receives limited airtime compared to cricket, despite having star players and competitive matches.

Moreover, the lure of endorsements and fame in cricket has drawn young athletes away from pursuing other sports. Cricketers like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni command multi-million dollar sponsorship deals with brands like Puma, Pepsi, and Adidas, while top footballers and athletes rarely receive the same level of recognition or financial rewards. This disparity in fame and fortune has discouraged many budding athletes from pursuing sports like football or athletics professionally.

3. Cricket’s Influence on Schools and Colleges

Cricket’s overwhelming popularity extends into educational institutions, where the sport often enjoys priority over others. School and college tournaments are predominantly centered around cricket, limiting exposure to other sports. Physical education programs are largely influenced by cricket, and as a result, sports like football and basketball receive less attention. This affects the talent pipeline for these sports, as fewer students are encouraged to pursue them seriously.

4. Sponsorship and Financial Backing

Sponsorship plays a crucial role in the development of sports. Cricket has consistently attracted corporate sponsors, thanks to its massive viewership and marketability. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), one of the richest sports boards in the world, has significant financial resources to promote the game at all levels. On the other hand, sports like football and hockey struggle to attract sponsorships, limiting their growth.

For instance, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has a budget that is a fraction of what the BCCI commands. According to a 2021 report, the BCCI’s annual revenue exceeds ₹4,000 crores, while AIFF’s revenue was only around ₹50 crores. This massive disparity in financial backing has a direct impact on the development of talent, infrastructure, and overall popularity of the sport.

5. Lack of International Success in Other Sports

Cricket's dominance in India is also fueled by the country's success on the international stage. India’s victories in the Cricket World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and numerous bilateral series have kept the country’s focus on cricket. In contrast, India's performance in sports like football and athletics has been less impressive. The Indian football team, for instance, is ranked far below international powerhouses like Brazil and Germany, and the country has yet to qualify for a FIFA World Cup since 1950.

The lack of international success in other sports has made it challenging to generate widespread enthusiasm among the Indian public. Hockey, once India’s pride, has also seen a decline in international performance, with the last Olympic gold medal coming in 1980. Although there have been recent improvements, especially in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics where India’s hockey team won bronze, the overall focus remains on cricket.

How Football and Other Sports Can Grow in India

Despite cricket’s dominance, there is hope for the growth of other sports, particularly football. The success of the Indian Super League (ISL) has shown that there is a significant audience for football in India. Teams like Kerala Blasters and FC Goa enjoy massive fan followings, and the league has attracted international players and coaches, raising the standard of football in the country.

1. Building Grassroots Programs

For football and other sports to flourish, there must be a greater focus on grassroots programs. Investment in school-level tournaments, community coaching, and infrastructure is essential for nurturing talent. The ISL has already made strides in this direction, with various teams launching grassroots development programs, but more needs to be done at the national level.

2. Increased Media Coverage

One of the most effective ways to promote other sports is through increased media coverage. Football, hockey, athletics, and even lesser-known sports like kabaddi need to be given prime-time slots and comprehensive coverage to capture the public's imagination. The success of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), which has seen substantial growth in viewership, demonstrates that with proper promotion, non-cricket sports can thrive in India.

3. Government Support

Government initiatives to promote a wider range of sports can help break cricket's monopoly. Programs like Khelo India, which aim to identify and nurture young talent in various sports, need more robust implementation. Moreover, the government must allocate a more balanced budget for sports infrastructure, training, and international exposure for athletes in disciplines other than cricket.

Conclusion

While cricket will likely remain India's favorite sport for the foreseeable future, the country's potential in other sports, particularly football, should not be overlooked. By addressing the lack of infrastructure, media coverage, and sponsorship for other sports, India can create a more diverse and competitive sports ecosystem. In doing so, India has the opportunity to become a sporting powerhouse not just in cricket but in multiple disciplines, showcasing its vast talent to the world.

As India continues to grow economically and socially, there is every possibility that football, hockey, athletics, and other sports will see increased popularity. All it takes is the right investment