India Wins Cricket World Cup: India won the men’s cricket World Cup on Saturday, beating South Africa to end a dry spell in tournament wins that lasted more than a decade, even as the nation dominated the game globally in other measures such as talent, cash and influence.
The tournament was played on several Caribbean islands, with some matches held in the United States, including at a pop-up stadium in New York. When the final in Barbados ended with India being declared champions, it was close to midnight back home, where jubilant crowds thronged the streets of many cities.
“Maybe in a few hours it will sink in, but it’s a great feeling,” said Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, who visited the stadium with his daughter to thank the spectators. “Crossing the line – it looks great on everyone.”
It was a closely fought match, and an emotional one for India, as many of its senior players, including Sharma, 37, were nearing the end of their careers. India last won the World Cup in cricket’s shortest format, T20, in 2007, when Sharma was just starting out. The top prize also eluded 35-year-old Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most recognizable icons. India coach Rahul Dravid never won the World Cup during his long and illustrious career as a player.
All three men ended the night on a jubilant note, with Sharma and Kohli announcing their retirement from the fast-paced shorter form of the game. Dravid, who has just completed his stint as India’s coach, is usually a quiet, stoic presence. But after the win, he was celebrating by shouting.
President of India Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team. “On the field, you won the World Cup. But in the villages, streets and communities of India, you have won the hearts of our compatriots,” said Mr. Modi A video message.
Followed by millions, cricket is a crucial part of India’s global brand – perhaps even more important than the country’s film industry. The governing body of cricket in India has sometimes been accused of using its large financial clout to dictate the terms surrounding global cricket events, reflecting its status as the richest contributor and destination for the world’s best players.
The launch of the Indian Premier League in 2007 has transformed a game that was once seen as slow and cash-strapped. In just 17 years, the league’s brand value has surpassed $10 billion, making it one of the richest sports leagues in the world. Players regularly earn contracts in excess of $1 million for a season lasting about eight weeks, with the highest earning closer to $3 million.
Last year, India launched the IPL’s sister league, the Women’s Premier League, with $500 million — the same investment as the men’s league — and the opportunity is already expanding for women in India and talent from around the world. The wealth of the league means investing more in the core to develop more players. Long in the shadow of the men’s game, women players are now enjoying brand endorsements, more TV viewers and thousands of stadiums watching their matches.
And foreign players in both leagues — who have massive followings at home — provide a public relations boost for India as they travel around to play, using social media to post praises of the country’s vastly diverse culture.
In India, a cricket-crazy nation that closely follows the players’ every move on and off the field, many stars of this generation are role models who can help the country move the needle on social issues, especially about public life. Male dominance remains.
Sharma, the captain, who is married to a sports management professional, and Kohli, who is married to an actor, often talk about the role of their partners in their careers. Sharma’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, and their daughter often accompany him during the tour, while Kohli is often seen video-calling his family from the stadium after matches.
Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma said, “Our daughter’s biggest worry was if there was someone to hug her after seeing all the players crying on TV.” Posted on social media After the win.
Jasprit Bumrah, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the World Cup, had a post-award interview with his wife, broadcaster Sanjana Ganesan. This was a working couple on tour. Their 10-month-old baby was being watched in a stroller behind them during the celebration.
“Jaspreet, thank you so much for talking to us and all the best for that—” Ms. Ganesh began as she concluded the interview. But before she could finish speaking her husband walked in for a hug and then ran back to join his teammates in celebration.
“India Wins Cricket World Cup: India Sealed Its Dominance In The Game By Winning The T20 Cricket World Cup”