Question 3 Explain why cricket became popular in India and the West Indies. Can you give reasons why it did not become popular in countries in South America?
Class 9 - Social science - History and Sport: The Story of Cricket Page 157
Answers
India and West Indies were colonies of England where cricket was very popular. This game mainly originated in South England. The British officials and Sahibs in India and West Indies played cricket to pass their leisure time. In both the countries initially the game was adopted and promoted by the upper classes (local elites) to copy the habits of their colonial Masters. Thus it became popular in both the countries.
Most of the Countries Of South America remained under the Colonial rule of other European powers but not England. South American countries under the rule of Spain (Chile and Argentina), Portugal (Brazil) and France (French Guinea). Therefore when cricket was not popular in those countries it is not became popular in their colonies.
==========================================================
Hope this will help you....
The following are the reasons why cricket became common in India and the West Indies:
1. Both the nations were a part of the colonial empire of Great Britain.
2. The white settlers and local elites in both countries made it popular.
3. The local aristocracies fancied following the practices of their colonial rulers. Moreover, it was observed as a sign of upper social and genetic status.
The following are the reasons why cricket was not widespread in nations in South America:
1. The countries of South America were not under the control of the British government but Spanish, American and Portuguese influence.
2. Just like the other colonial games such as hockey and football, cricket remained the game of colonial people.