Their victory, clinched in a nail-biting final, was richly deserved and brought forth accolades from fans and cricket experts worldwide. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
Mumbai erupted in jubilant celebration as the Indian cricket team returned home, triumphant after securing the T20 World Cup following a 17-year hiatus. Wankhede Stadium was a sea of adulation, embodying the nation’s deep-rooted passion for cricket — a sport that, for many Indians, transcends entertainment, and evokes near-religious fervour. The grand roadshow through Mumbai’s streets was a testament to the nation’s euphoria. Young and old fans thronged the streets to catch a glimpse of their heroes, showering them with claps, cheers, and unbridled love. The Indian cricket team, with their all-round performance in batting, bowling, and fielding, showcased the depth of their talent and reaped the fruits of their dedication. Their victory, clinched in a nail-biting final, was richly deserved and brought forth accolades from fans and cricket experts worldwide.
Yet, amid the celebrations, one cannot help but recall the contrasting scenes from a year ago in Ahmedabad. India faced a crushing defeat in the 2023 World Cup match against Australia. The hostile reaction from fans, both in the stadium and on social media, was in stark contrast to the recent celebrations. The rude behaviour and vitriolic comments highlighted a troubling side of fan culture, where the line between passionate support and toxic fanaticism blurs.
These extreme reactions — ecstatic celebrations in victory and vitriol in defeat — beg an important question: Is this the right attitude toward sports and sportspeople? Has our love for cricket and the strong bond with the game become bondage, making us irrational, insensitive, and vulgar during moments that call for grace and sportsmanship? The standing ovation given to the triumphant Pakistan team in Chennai in 1999 after a Test match victory over India stands as a poignant reminder of a time when sportsmanship was celebrated, irrespective of the game’s outcome.
Interestingly, several studies in the fandom provide insights into such behaviours. Highly loyal fans often see their team’s success as their own, fostering a sense of social connectedness and boosting individual self-esteem. Daniel Wann, a psychology professor at Murray State University, explains that team identification is a psychological connection that makes the team’s performance personally relevant to the fan. To the fans, the team is an extension of the self. However, this deep identification can also lead to negative behaviours when the team’s performance does not meet expectations. Given this emotional relationship, expecting fans to treat wins and losses with equanimity might seem idealistic, but tempering extreme emotional responses could foster a healthier sports culture.
Viewing cricket and other sports as games — understanding that victory and defeat are integral — can help cultivate a more balanced and supportive environment for all athletes. Such an approach could also enhance the reception of other sports in India, recognising and celebrating the diverse array of talent the country has to offer.
In India, the frenzied obsession with cricket also casts a long shadow over other sports. Despite a wealth of other sporting talent, including hockey — the national game — struggle for recognition and support. While cricket enjoys extensive funding and media coverage, other sports often go unnoticed. The Indian hockey team, which has won eight Olympic gold medals, remains in the shadows compared to the constant limelight on cricket stars. Government and private sector investment is heavily skewed towards cricket, leaving a smaller pie for other sports. This not only hampers the development of potential champions in other fields but also diminishes the overall sporting culture in the country.
The media also plays a very significant role in this imbalance. Cricket dominates the headlines, while other sports are relegated to the periphery. This disparity affects sponsorship and advertising, with cricketers becoming the faces of numerous campaigns while players from other sports struggle for visibility and financial support. Media narratives significantly shape public perception, and the current focus on cricket comes at the expense of other sports. Equitable sponsorship, on the other hand, would provide athletes in less popular sports with the resources they require to train and compete at the highest levels. Brands have a significant role in this, as their support can bring visibility and financial stability to a wider range of sports. Celebrating achievements in athletics, for instance, could encourage more participation and support for these sports, paving the way for future successes on international platforms.
Unfortunately, even educational institutions often prioritise cricket over other sports. School and college tournaments are heavily skewed towards cricket, with fewer opportunities for students to explore and excel in other sports. This early exposure — or lack thereof — plays a crucial role in defining and directing the future of sports in India. Broader support and encouragement for various sports at the grassroots level could lead to a richer and more diverse sporting culture, giving young athletes the chance to shine in fields they are passionate about.
While the spectacular celebrations of India’s T20 World Cup victory are welcome, displaying the nation’s unrestrained love for cricket, they also highlight the need for a more balanced and inclusive sporting culture. Embracing all sports with equal enthusiasm and treating athletes with respect, regardless of the outcome, will pave the way for a more mature and holistic appreciation of sports in India. This balanced approach will not only enrich the country’s sporting heritage but also ensure that every athlete, irrespective of their sport, gets the recognition and support they deserve.
The writer is Professor and Dean, Christ University, Bengaluru
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First uploaded on: 10-07-2024 at 16:33 IST
