The cricket World Cup – a stage where nations compete for the ultimate glory. But how did India, a cricket-loving nation, get to host it? The tale is not just about cricket but about aspirations and incidents that shaped the trajectory.
The Genesis of India as a Host
- Prelude: The very first World Cup in India was in 1987. The seeds for this were sown by an incident involving the then BCCI President N.K.P. Salve.
- Multiple Hostings: After 1987, India hosted the World Cup in 1996, followed by 2011, where under the leadership of Dhoni, India clinched the title after 28 years. Now, in 2023, the World Cup is set to return to India, and with a new captain, expectations are skyrocketing.
The 1983 Turning Point
- India in the Final: In 1983, India made it to the World Cup final in England, creating a buzz and excitement back home.
- Ticketing Row: N.K.P. Salve, the BCCI chief and cabinet minister in the Indira Gandhi government, wanted to witness this historic match. However, when he requested tickets from the MCC, he faced rejection.
- A Determined Response: This denial irked Salve, leading to the resolve that India should host the World-Cup. He proposed that the World Cup be rotated among other cricket-playing nations, garnering support from Pakistan.
- The Joint Bid: In a unique move, India and Pakistan jointly bid to host the World Cup. Back then, host countries were chosen through a bidding process.
Cricket’s Seasonal Evolution
- A Winter Game: Originally, cricket was a winter day game, making England the most favorable host. But, Salve’s determination ensured that the next World Cup in 1987 would be in India, changing this perception.
- Sponsorship Boost: While the MCC agreed to let India and Pakistan host the 1987 World-Cup, the tournament’s hosting costs were doubled. Later, BCCI secured sponsorship from Reliance.
World Cup Milestones in India
- 1987: India and Pakistan co-hosted the tournament. While both hosts exited in the semi-finals, the event was a massive success.
- 2011: With stalwarts like Dhoni, Sachin, and Sehwag, Team India secured the championship. The joy of winning the cup on home soil was unparalleled.
Looking Forward to 2023
- Teams and Prospects: 10 teams are vying for the trophy in 2023, with India as the host. With players accustomed to IPL, the pros and cons of this league are evident in the World Cup.
- IPL Influence: While some players benefit from understanding Indian pitches due to IPL, others get to analyze bowler strategies. Furthermore, IPL brings young talent to the forefront, which can be pivotal for India in world tournaments.
In Conclusion: Hosting and winning the World-Cup is more than just a matter of national pride. It’s a testament to India’s love for cricket and its capability to showcase it on the global stage. With the 2023 World Cup around the corner, the anticipation is palpable, and the hopes are high!
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