Cricket was not invented in India, but the sport was introduced to the country by the British during the 18th century, particularly as a pastime for British soldiers and officials in colonial India. The first recorded match in India was played in 1721 by British sailors in Cambay (present-day Khambhat, Gujarat).
However, Indian cricket's formal growth began in the 19th century. The Parsis were the first Indian community to embrace the game, forming the Oriental Cricket Club in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1848. Later, other communities followed suit, leading to the gradual development of cricket among Indians.
Key milestones in the early history of Indian cricket include:
- Bombay Quadrangular Tournament (1912): The competition between teams representing different communities (Europeans, Hindus, Muslims, and Parsis) played a pivotal role in fostering the game.
- Formation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) (1928): This was a crucial step toward establishing a national framework for the sport.
India played its first Test match in 1932 in England, marking the country's debut on the international cricket stage. So, while cricket originated in England, it was adopted and popularized in India during British rule, with Indian players and administrators playing a significant role in its development within the country.
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