Indians had their first brush with cricket in the middle of the 18th century. Englishmen introduced this game to India and other parts of the world. The first match report coverage was carried in a magazine called ‘Sporting Intelligence’ on 3rd March 1845. Before that unofficial friendly matches had been played between visiting sailors. That was way back in 1725 at a seaport in Kutch.
Sooner than later, this interesting game caught the fancy of Indians and organized cricket was soon established in India. Credit to Parsis for forming the first non-British cricket club of the country named ‘Parsi Oriental Cricket Club’ in 1848. Mumbai was the hub for all cricketing activities.
According to chronicles of cricket, first unofficial tour of an ‘All India’ cricket team took place in 1911. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala led this team to England. The Maharaja was well supported by several prominent Englishmen in establishing BCCI. India’s cricketing journey took a giant leap when it was admitted to International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1929.
India’s much awaited test status was granted in 1932. India made its debut at Lord’s (also known as Mecca of cricket) against England and the date was 25th June, 1932. Interestingly, few Indian cricketers had also made a mark for themselves in competitive English league before India was granted test status.
Cricketers like Ranjitsinghji, Duleepsinghji and Nawab of Pataudi (Senior) were prominent cricket figures in the early 1900’s. It has been a remarkable journey in the last 75 years. India has taken giant strides in becoming one of the most potent forces in world cricket.
India has played more than 400 test matches in this duration. India has also won cricket world cup of 1983 and twenty20 world cup in 2007. Indian cricket has witnessed an eventful journey in both longer as well as shorter versions of the game.
The Indian people’s passion for cricket is renowned in all parts of the world. With such glorious history and pleasant present, the future of Indian cricket certainly appears bright.