Is cricket’s popularity premised on the fact that Hindu Bharat dislikes contact sports, because too much touching is considered un-Hindu? Is it because finally the Brahminical mind relishes in the idea of one man (the batsman) pitted against one man (the bowler), thus individual skill prevails over collective effort? Is it because Indians love complexity (umpires examining the sky won’t do, you need light meters) and Byzantine statistics (how many uncles played together in Tests?)? Is it taking revenge on the White Man by beating him at his own game? Is cricket mania another instance of exotic India throwing up one further enigma wrapped in a mystery? I have read much on this fascinating subject but no one has given a full and satisfactory reply to the riddle. Perhaps, some mysteries are best left a mystery.
Meanwhile, those who detest cricket—and their number is legion—must be wondering whether a six-week exile is the only respite. For these tormented folks I offer this comfort:the son of a muezzin (Irfan Pathan) from strife-torn Gujarat has become a national hero. The sight of him hurtling down the playing fields of Peshawar wearing India colours mustsurely be an uplifting sight. Long live cricket!
