Football and the Indian Subcontinent

Football is the most famous sport on the planet with over 4 billion estimated fans. However, it plays second fiddle in Asia, where Cricket reigns supreme as the primary sport of choice. As the second most sport in the world, Cricket boasts 2.5 billion viewers, many of whom come from South Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Cricket may have originated in England, but South Asians have adopted it like their second child.

Cricket originated in south-east England around the 16th century, and they spread it to the various countries that they invaded as a colonial power. By the 18th century, cricket was everywhere, and it was the Indian Subcontinent who embraced it more than anyone else. For those colonies -- present day Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- it was a quest for revenge. They dreamt of beating their rulers at their own game. It gave them a sense of freedom; it made them feel alive.

“Why should we care about the subcontinent?” some may ask. And that’s a legitimate question. But here’s why: While several Asian countries including South Korea, China, Iran and Japan embraced football fairly early, the Indian subcontinent kept on raving about cricket – they were left behind.