Evolution of a Cricket Fan: My Shapeshifting Journey

Samir Chopra is an immigrant who discovers that cricket can tell his life story, revealing his changing views on self, nations, cultures, politics, displacement, and fandom. His passion for the sport began as a child, rooting for Pakistan and against his native India. When he migrated, he became a fan of the Indian team, which gave him a sense of home among the various cultures he encountered. Chopra's thoughts about the sport and its global influence are not those of a player, but of a global cricket fan navigating the world that colonial empire wrought and that cricket continues to connect and animate.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 248 pages
\n Publication date: 21 June 2021
\n Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.
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Samir Chopra, an immigrant and a "voluntary exile," discovers a unique way to narrate his life's story through the sport of cricket, a game that has held a profound influence and obsession over him. Through his exploration in The Evolution of a Cricket Fan, Chopra unveils how his evolving perspectives on cricket mirror his personal journey of self-discovery. Chopra's passion for cricket began in his childhood, rooted in his support for Pakistan and his opposition to his native India. However, his migration led him to embrace the Indian cricket team, which provided him with a sense of belonging and connection among the diverse cultures he encountered in North America and Australia. This transformative experience highlights the profound divide between the Old and New worlds, a crisis that Chopra acknowledges as cricket's most significant modern challenge. At the same time, it sheds light on the identity dilemmas faced by post-colonial immigrants in the Indian diaspora.

Chopra's insights on cricket and its global impact extend beyond the realm of a player. He offers a privileged access to the inner world of cricket fans, navigating the world shaped by the colonial empire and the enduring connection that cricket fosters. Chopra observes the immense burdens carried by the Indian cricket team, not only in terms of winning matches but also in fostering a sense of pride that heals the wounds inflicted by history. As Chopra himself navigates his place in this historical context, The Evolution of a Cricket Fan chronicles his personal victories and defeats as his life takes new directions and his fandom evolves.

Through his captivating narrative, Chopra invites readers to witness the evolution of a cricket fan, shedding light on the complexities of identity, culture, and history. The book serves as a testament to the power of sports to bridge gaps, connect communities, and inspire personal growth.

\n Weight: 422g\n
Dimension: 150 x 227 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781439911976\n \n