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| Indian cricket | |
|---|---|
| Name | India |
| Founded | 1932 (Test status) |
| Ground | Wankhede Stadium, Eden Gardens, MA Chidambaram Stadium |
| Capacity | 68,000 |
| Owner | BCCI |
| Coach | Rahul Dravid |
| Captain | Rohit Sharma |
Indian cricket is the collective term for the sport of cricket as played, administered, and followed on the Indian subcontinent, principally within the Republic of India. It encompasses a long-standing domestic structure, a national team competing in Test cricket, One Day International, and Twenty20 International formats, and a vast network of players, grounds, and institutions that shape the sport's professional and cultural life. This article outlines the sport's development, governance, competitions, teams, notable players, infrastructure, and its societal prominence.
The early history saw tours between Lord Hawke's XI and regional sides, followed by India gaining Test cricket status and playing its inaugural match against England cricket team at Lord's in 1932. Post-independence developments included the rise of regional powerhouses such as Bombay cricket team and administrative consolidation under the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Landmark events include India's 1983 Cricket World Cup triumph over the West Indies cricket team and the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 win that catalyzed the growth of franchise cricket culminating in the formation of the Indian Premier League. Tours by teams like Australia national cricket team, Pakistan national cricket team, and South Africa national cricket team have defined bilateral rivalries, while series such as the Border–Gavaskar Trophy, named after Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, epitomize competitive history. Administrative crises and reforms involving the Supreme Court of India and the Lodha Committee have periodically reshaped governance structures.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India serves as the primary governing body, affiliating state associations such as the Mumbai Cricket Association, Karnataka State Cricket Association, and Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. Oversight entities include the International Cricket Council for international regulations and the Asian Cricket Council for regional matters. Governance has intersected with legal institutions including the Supreme Court of India and with stakeholders like franchise owners of the Indian Premier League and commercial partners IMG and Star India. Administrative reforms have been influenced by figures such as N. Srinivasan and panels like the Lodha Committee, and regulatory frameworks interact with organizations such as the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and anti-corruption units like the International Cricket Council Anti-Corruption Unit.
India's domestic calendar features multi-day and limited-overs tournaments. The premier first-class competition is the Ranji Trophy, contested by teams representing states and regional associations such as Vidarbha cricket team and Punjab cricket team. The domestic one-day tournament is the Vijay Hazare Trophy, while the domestic T20 championship is the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup serve as inter-zonal and invitational fixtures respectively. The club and university circuits feed talent into state teams and national academies like the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Franchise cricket reached prominence with the Indian Premier League, featuring franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders and attracting international players from England cricket team, Australia national cricket team, and South Africa national cricket team.
The national men's team, administered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, competes in ICC events such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, and the ICC World Test Championship. Captains and coaches across eras include Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid, each influencing strategy in formats from Test cricket to Twenty20 International. India has hosted marquee tournaments including the Cricket World Cup in 1987, 1996, and 2011, and has strong bilateral ties with touring sides like the England cricket team and Australia national cricket team. The women's national side, governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has advanced through events such as the Women's Cricket World Cup.
India has produced distinguished batsmen and bowlers including Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, VVS Laxman, and MS Dhoni. Recent prominent players include Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishan Kishan. Records span individual achievements such as Tendulkar's milestones in Test cricket and One Day International runs, Kumble's wickets in Test cricket, and team accomplishments like the 1983 and 2011 Cricket World Cup victories. Domestic record-holders appear in the Ranji Trophy annals, while IPL statistics highlight performances by franchise icons such as Lasith Malinga and Chris Gayle during stints with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Iconic venues include Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and regional academies provide coaching and sports science support, while stadium redevelopment has been influenced by events like the 2011 Cricket World Cup and investments from state associations such as the Mumbai Cricket Association. Infrastructure challenges and upgrades have involved entities like the Stadium Authority of India and private franchise stakeholders in the Indian Premier League.
Cricket permeates popular culture across cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi, inspiring media coverage from outlets like ESPNcricinfo and broadcasting deals with networks such as Star India and Sony Pictures Networks India. Celebrity cricketers cross into film and advertising industries represented by figures such as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, while regional loyalties fuel rivalries between teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Grassroots development includes street cricket traditions, school tournaments, and talent scouting from academies linked to state associations, and philanthropic initiatives by players and organizations address social causes through foundations like the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and initiatives by franchises.