Cricket, Public Culture and the Making of Postcolonial Calcutta

This book explores the people's strange attachment to cricket, examining its role in the making of a postcolonial society. It focuses on Calcutta and unpacks the various connotations of international cricket that have produced a postcolonial community and public culture. Cricket gave the people a tool to understand and form themselves as a cultural community, with its beliefs, attitudes, and actions having a profound impact on emerging social relationships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Cricket, a sport that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, holds a unique place in the hearts of the people of India. It is more than just a game; it is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped the country's identity and social fabric. In this book, we explore the profound impact of cricket on the lives of ordinary Indians, examining why it has become an integral part of their daily lives and how it has contributed to the formation of a postcolonial society.

The first question we must address is why do common people kill a guard and rob an office they thought had some tickets for a Test match? The answer to this question lies in the deep-rooted passion and obsession that Indians have for cricket. Cricket is not just a sport; it is a religion, a way of life. For many Indians, it is the only source of entertainment, a way to escape the harsh realities of their daily lives. When they hear that tickets for a Test match are scarce, they become desperate to get their hands on them, regardless of the consequences.

The second question we must ask is why does a scholar of medieval Bengali literature remark, "Had life been a sport, it would be cricket?" Cricket has a special place in the hearts of Indians because it represents their cultural heritage and identity. It is a sport that has been played in India for centuries, and it has become a symbol of national pride. The game has a rich history and tradition, and it has been woven into the fabric of Indian society.

Moreover, cricket has the power to bring people together, transcending social and economic barriers. It is a sport that unites people from different backgrounds and cultures, and it has become a source of unity and pride for Indians. When a team wins a cricket match, it is not just a victory for the players; it is a victory for the entire country. The celebrations that follow are a testament to the power of cricket to bring people together.

However, cricket has also been criticized for its elitism and exclusivity. It is a sport that is often played by the wealthy and privileged, and it has been accused of perpetuating social inequality. There are also concerns about the impact of cricket on young people, who are often drawn to the game due to its glamour and fame. There have been reports of young people being manipulated and exploited by cricket agents, who promise them a bright future in the sport but end up taking advantage

In conclusion, cricket has had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary Indians, shaping their beliefs, attitudes, and actions. It is a sport that has become an integral part of their cultural heritage and identity, and it has the power to bring people together and promote social unity. However, it is important to recognize that cricket is not without its flaws and challenges. It is essential to address these issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable cricket culture that benefits all members of society society society.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 161 x 238 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108494588