Cricket: From 'a sport to a Profession' in India

               Cricket skyrocketed in the nation after the impossible win against the mighty West Indies in the 1983 World Cup finals. The sport which was seen as an elite sport before the great victory, started to spread across the nation into the masses. As a nation that had a large number of middle classes at that time as well, it reached them and encouraged them to take up the sport. Not just to play but to represent the country was something that everyone looked forward to. As it started popularizing around the world it was evident that the sport would make you a lot of money too. The broadcasts, the advertisement companies and the sponsors all set their eyes on the next big money-lending business in front of their eyes. The commercialization of the sport began worldwide.

               In an era where technology was also booming, business minds saw this sport as a business model. It drew the attention of the large masses to sit in front of the television to watch a match. Back then maybe no one expected this sport to become this big of a business. The players were worried about making this sport a source of living but after the globalization of the sport and the addition of the new age of technology, it became clearer that it would create a fortune. But still, in the millions of hearts, it was a sport that made them fall in love with. While the other sports in India took a downturn at the same time. Cricket was so far possessed by the majority that took all other sports no chance to stand in its way. Every other kid wanted to be a cricketer. Even though it was still far down the road as a profession. Maybe the smartest people saw it coming. Hence many middle-class families who did not know the depth of the sport in terms of turning fortunes often never let their kids pursue the sport. Afraid of not being able to make a living out of it. 

               In the background, the sport was all set to become a game-changer in many lives. Some middle-class saw it as a hope as the sport was giving a fair chance at it. Creating opportunities for everyone. It was not only creating opportunities in the game aspect but also making sure it provided good luck to settle in their lives. For many, it was something more than just a sport but very few noticed how the sport was changing worldwide. At the time television made the vision possible for many businesses such as advertising companies, sponsors, and many media companies that wanted a business tie-up with the sport. Especially in India, a country that has one of the largest populations in the world was the largest user of television as well. That triggered the commercialization of sport in the country. The BCCI got some contracts from the media industries which were the broadcasters. Which was a pretty big deal in shaping Indian cricket. As we all know where BCCI stands in the revenue part compared to other boards. It was all because of the commercialization and globalization of the sport. 

               It was evident that with globalization the sport would attract millions of hearts to pursue this passion. Yes, still then it was just a game of passion. Back then no one would have thought this simple game would become this huge as it is to this day. Not the game but if you look at the people who play this game at a higher level, they have made some serious fortune out of it. I am not trying to say that they do not deserve what they are having but just reminding those who missed these fortunes. I had not seen those days when cricket was already blended with the culture and costumes of the country but surely it was pretty drastic that the sport was spreading drastically all around the world at a high pace just like the pacers of those days especially from the West Indies and Pakistan. It was not just popularizing among the people but also the dark side of any popularized sport was yet to be seen.