States, Market and Cricket: The Political Economy of Globalization in India

Abstract

The article unravels the globalizing process in the context of cricket in India. It traces the process of the game's diffusion from the colonial period to the liberalized era. In the colonial context, it demonstrates the role of the state apparatus in facilitating this end. Although the involvement of the imperial state was indirect, it is hard to rule out their enthusiasm in spreading the game. The article deals with these aspects in its first section. The following section delves into the role of the market forces in globalizing the game. In this case, greater emphasis is placed on issues related to financing and broadcasting of the game in the country. The article substantiates these claims by referring to the broadcasting disputes of the Hero Cup and the India-Pakistan series of 2004. It also narrates some of the politico-economic issues related to the Indian Premier League (IPL). The article contends that the state retains its significance despite the increasing interdependence between itself and other non-state entities in the globalized scenario.

Blinded by the sand of its burrowing? Examining fans’ intentions to follow one-day cricket on TV with a moderating effect of social influence

“…Considering the importance of cricket to societal and political well-being, efforts are being made to recognise cricket as a global sport ( Johnstone et al, 2014;Rumford and Wagg, 2010;Rowe and Gilmour, 2009;Rumford, 2007;Gupta, 2004). On the contrary, cricket is continuously playing a key role in globalisation of different Asian markets (Halder, 2014) an unsung reality of the twenty-first century.…”