Where Religion Divides, Cricket Unites

Let me begin with a disclaimer that my knowledge of religion is limited. My knowledge of cricket is even more limited as till sometime back I thought that Virat Kohli is just a name linked to Anushka Sharma, fine leg always reminded me of Deepika Padukone, Bipasha Basu and Sushmita Sen and Mandira Bedi was only popular for her role in Shanti and DDLJ for me.

       

But off lately I have realized that Cricket is something more than just a game in India. The World’s noisiest democracy is a celebration of differences, which are accentuated by every shade of salvation, ranging from sub-rural socialism to the neo-soviet variety. And it has survived the worst instincts of its political class. When arguments divide nations, India is united by their variety. We, as a nation, are not in a permanent pursuit of definition: who are we? Because we know that we are Indians. And this definition gets stronger because of another important influensive instrument called CRICKET. Cricket in India is a great leveler. Rich or poor, no matter! What only matters and talk in the cricket field is talent. Cricket is an instrument which binds people, cultures, societies, religions and everything else possible in our country. 

        

Indian Cricket team was able to inspire the entire nation across religious and caste divides. It has been fascinating to witness the ease with which the teams have mingled across religious ethics and cultural divides. It has become cliché to talk of the power of sport to unite humanity. These are powerful sentiments in a fragile sensitive environment and only cricket seems able to provide the means through which they are expressed. Right now, cricket match seems irreplaceable.

        

We, Indians just need an excuse to celebrate and cricket has given many such excuses. OK, on the day of the cricket world cup final in 2011, let me admit, my interest in cricket was much more than my religion. Rather, I think, it is true for all of us. Hindu? Muslim? Sikh? Christian? When it comes to cricket we all are Indians! Tall, short, fat, thin, slow, fast, with or even without stadium….anyone can be good at cricket. In India, we eat cricket, sleep cricket and live cricket.

        

One thing I believe in is, CRICKET IS NOT A RELIGION relatively it unites all religions. Have you ever seen or heard of any riots happening over cricket? Do we have any book on cricket which is banned? Did you got any compulsion from anyone, be it your mom or anyone else, ever that you can watch cricket only after taking bath? Do you think anyone would have become God, had he followed religion instead of cricket?

        

In short, Cricket have always and will always provide one final opportunity to celebrate unity – Atleast In India.