India is the world's most populous cricketing nation with a fanatical following for the sport. The sheer number of cricket enthusiasts in India makes it an economic powerhouse for cricket. The Indian Premier League (IPL), for example, is not only a cricketing extravaganza but a commercial behemoth.
Its success and financial clout reverberate throughout the cricketing world. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the richest cricket board globally. It generates immense revenues through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
This financial prowess has a ripple effect on the international cricket landscape, ensuring the sport's financial health. The top bookmakers in India have odds for all India matches.
When India plays, cricketing fans from around the world tune in. The global viewership for India's matches is unmatched, making them essential for the health and growth of international cricket.
These viewers are exposed to other teams and players, expanding cricket's reach. India also has a thriving cricket ecosystem with robust domestic competitions, grooming talents from a young age.
Many international cricketers, not just from India but from other nations as well, have honed their skills in the competitive environment of Indian cricket.
India's financial clout and standing in the cricketing world have given it substantial influence within the ICC.
Decisions regarding international cricket calendars, tournament formats, and rule changes often consider India's perspective. With that, India's cricketing success, from triumphs in the ICC events to historic overseas Test series wins, inspires countless aspiring cricketers worldwide. India's rise in cricket mirrors the aspirations and dreams of many.
Team India is one of the most feared cricket teams in the world which carries a capability to turn things around at any point in the game. Here are three reasons why team India plays most international matches as compared to other teams.
Market and Revenue
One of the primary reasons for Team India's busy international cricket schedule is the massive market and revenue it brings to the cricketing world. India is not only the most populous cricketing nation but also one of the wealthiest when it comes to broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Cricket boards and broadcasters want a slice of this lucrative market. Every team and cricket board knows that if they are playing against team India, the match will be in the spotlight and will be seen by countless sponsors. Hence, there's a constant demand for India to participate in bilateral series, multi-nation tournaments, and Test matches.
Fearless Competition
Team India consistently ranks among the top cricketing nations. Competing against India offers a true test of a team's skills and provides an opportunity to gauge their performance against a world-class opponent.
It is not an easy task to defeat India in cricket in any format of the match and hence every board wants their players to feel the pressure and prepare themselves for the ICC trophies like World Test Championships and World Cups.
Facing Team India provides invaluable experience, especially for emerging cricketing nations. It exposes players to different playing conditions, strategies, and techniques, which can help them improve their game.
BCCI’s Financial Clout
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the richest cricket board globally, thanks to lucrative broadcasting deals and the IPL. The BCCI's financial clout allows them to influence the international cricket calendar.
They can demand matches on their terms, which can result in a more extensive playing schedule. Without a doubt BCCI wants their players to be at the top of the game but finance is one of the primary reasons.
It also shows the dominance of BCCI over the other boards and how BCCI has a weightage to change things in the international cricket calendar.
