The Commonwealth of Cricket

In India, cricket is played in almost every street, lane and playground, using whatever resources are available. People who watch the game often stop whatever they are doing and become completely absorbed in it. Such is the extent to which cricket has become deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of Indians.

As a passionate cricket enthusiast and someone who played local cricket for several years, eminent historian Ramachandra Guha presents the history of Indian cricket in this book through an autobiographical narrative.

Declaring at the very outset that cricket is his love affair, Guha narrates his childhood memories of the game in a flowing, simple and engaging style. He recalls his cricketing heroes from local, national and international arenas, discussing their strengths as well as their limitations. He also highlights the importance of cricket played at every level—from schools and colleges to clubs, states and the national stage.

In the final section of the book, he candidly shares his experiences of serving as an appointed administrator on the governing body of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Drawing on these experiences, he offers a critical examination of the changing culture of cricket in contemporary India.

The Commonwealth of Cricket is an honest and engaging account by an eminent historian whose deep love for the game brings his cricketing memories to life and takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the history of Indian cricket.