Empire 311. Cricket In India: Beating The Brits At Their Own Game (Part 2)
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Nov 27, 2025 Tim Wigmore, a renowned cricket historian and author, dives into cricket's fascinating journey in India. He reveals how the sport blossomed under British colonial influence and became a symbol of national identity. The discussion touches on the rich tapestry of communal tournaments, the paradox of princely 'nepo-babies' in leadership, and the lingering effects of Partition on cricketing rivalries. Wigmore also highlights the remarkable story of Dalit groundsman Pawangka Baloo and the captivating career of Tiger Pataudi, showcasing the sport's intersection with India's complex history.
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Cricket As Cinematic Resistance
- In Lagaan, villagers challenge the British to a cricket match to cancel oppressive taxes and the film became a cultural sensation in India.
- Anita Anand describes cinema audiences reacting wildly to sixes, showing cricket's emotional hold on the nation.
Parsis Catalysed Early Indian Cricket
- The Parsis led early Indian cricket, forming the first Indian club and challenging the British Bombay Gymkhana from 1877.
- Their competitive parity with Europeans made them India's first cricketing bridge to Britain.
Communal Teams Shaped Cricket's Structure
- Bombay's communal tournament evolved from triangular to pentangular, reflecting social divisions in sport.
- Despite communal lines, the matches united crowds and held national prestige through the 1930s and '40s.
