During the 20th century, when British colonial forces left the subcontinent and Commonwealth states regained their independence, there were few aspects of British rule that the regions were inclined to keep. There was however one pastime of British culture that remained: cricket.
The passion for this particular British export has grown to become a national sport in both India and Pakistan and continues to thrive within the region today. It is also the favourite game amongst British South Asian communities, with research showing that in the UK, people of South Asian heritage are up to six times more likely to play cricket than their white counterparts.
Chaired by Huw Turbervill, our panel includes acclaimed sports writers, Rob Bagchi and Duncan Hamilton, and journalist, Boyd Tonkin. This event will step into the history of cricket in South Asia and explore how it has captivated the masses to become embedded in the cultural imagination of the subcontinent. In this part of the world, passions run deep and cricket is more than just a game.