Cricket Country: An Indian Odyssey in the Age of Empire

Before India became a nation, an Indian cricket team traveled to Great Britain and Ireland in 1911. This tour was the first All-India national cricket tour of Great Britain and Ireland. The team included the young, newly enthroned ruler of the most powerful Sikh state in India as its captain and two Dalit cricketers. The tour epitomizes how sport helped fashion the imagined communities of both nation and empire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Cricket, a sport with its roots in India, has a fascinating history that intertwines with the narratives of both India and England. While it is often attributed to the English, it is worth noting that India had a cricket team long before it became a nation. This remarkable journey began with the conception of an unlikely coalition of imperial and local elites, who envisioned the formation of an Indian cricket team. It took twelve years and four failed attempts before the first Indian cricket team graced the playing fields of imperial Britain.

Drawing on an unparalleled range of original archival sources, Cricket Country delves into the story of this pioneering All-India national cricket tour of Great Britain and Ireland. At the same time, it unfolds the extraordinary tale of how the idea of India took shape on the cricket pitch, long before the country achieved its political independence.

The tour, which took place against the backdrop of anti-colonial protest and revolutionary terrorism in the high noon of Edwardian imperialism, is replete with a highly improbable cast of characters. The Indian team, led by the young and newly enthroned ruler of the most powerful Sikh state in India, showcased a remarkable blend of talent and diversity. Notably, two Dalit cricketers also made their mark on this historic tour.

Throughout their historic tour in the blazing Coronation summer of 1911, these Indian cricketers participated in a collective enterprise that epitomizes the way in which sport, and cricket in particular, helped shape the imagined communities of both nation and empire. Their performances on the field not only showcased their cricketing prowess but also played a significant role in fostering a sense of national identity and pride.

Cricket, with its unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and cultural significance, has continued to captivate audiences around the world. The story of India's first cricket team serves as a testament to the power of sport to transcend boundaries and bridge cultures. It reminds us of the shared heritage and the potential for collaboration that can be found even in the most unlikely circumstances.

In conclusion, cricket, an Indian game that was accidentally invented by the English, has a rich and complex history that intertwines with the narratives of India and England. From its early beginnings to its historic tour in 1911, cricket has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and aspirations of both nations. Through the stories of the players and the broader social context in which they played, Cricket Country offers a captivating glimpse into the past and the enduring impact of this beloved sport.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198843146