The curious case of cricket in America: A story of abandonment and revival

Cricket, a game steeped in tradition and history, finds its origins in 16th-century England. It spread with British colonialism, taking root in various corners of the globe. However, one of the more intriguing tales of cricket’s journey lies in North America, particularly in the United States. 

Once a burgeoning sport on American soil, cricket faced an unexpected decline, only to see signs of revival in recent years. The question is- why did America, once home to enthusiastic cricketers, abandon the sport in the first place, and how is it gradually finding its place again?

The early days of cricket in America
Cricket in America begins as early as 1709, with archival references indicating its presence. By 1739, advertisements in New York newspapers were calling for cricket players, highlighting the sport’s early adoption. Manhattan saw the first recorded cricket competition in 1751, signalling a budding interest.

In the 19th century, cricket gained a foothold in elite academic institutions. The establishment of the Intercollegiate Cricket Association in 1881 by prestigious universities like the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, Haverford, Princeton, and Columbia further cemented its place. Philadelphia emerged as a central hub for cricket, with the Philadelphia Cricket Club, founded in 1854, becoming a cornerstone for the sport in America. The city’s Haverford College boasted the first American cricket team, established in 1833.

Cricket’s decline post-independence
Despite this early enthusiasm, cricket faced a dramatic decline post-American independence. The severance from Britain saw a cultural shift; cricket, a symbol of colonial rule, fell out of favour. This distancing from British traditions was akin to the Boston Tea Party, where colonists rejected British tea in a powerful act of rebellion.

Cricket’s association with British colonialism played a significant role in its decline. As Americans sought to forge a new identity, free from British influences, cricket was sidelined. The game persisted in pockets, but its widespread appeal dwindled. The Imperial Cricket Conference (ICC), established in 1909, exacerbated this decline by excluding non-Commonwealth nations like the US. This exclusion deprived American cricket of the international platform necessary for its growth and development.

The rise of baseball
Simultaneously, baseball was on the rise, capturing the American imagination. A.G. Spalding, a pivotal figure in baseball’s history, played a crucial role in this shift. As a businessman and sports manufacturer, Spalding aggressively promoted baseball, creating professional leagues and commercialising the sport. His efforts to make baseball accessible and popular among the masses starkly contrasted with cricket’s elitist image.

Baseball quickly became America’s pastime, celebrated for its democratic spirit and dynamic play. The sport’s growing popularity overshadowed cricket, which was increasingly perceived as a leisurely game for the British elite. The slogan “Cricket is a pastime, Baseball is war” captured this sentiment, reinforcing baseball’s dominance and relegating cricket to the sidelines.

Debunking misconceptions
Several theories have attempted to explain cricket’s failure to take root in America. One common misconception is that the cooler climate in North America hindered cricket’s popularity. However, this theory doesn’t hold up, considering that other warm-weather sports, like baseball, flourished. Moreover, England, cricket’s birthplace, is not known for its warm climate, yet the sport thrives there.

Another theory suggests that cricket’s slow pace and regimented nature clashed with American cultural values. This argument, too, is flawed. While traditional Test cricket is indeed slow-paced, the advent of limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) has introduced faster, more exciting versions of the game. Furthermore, Americans enjoy other sports that require patience and discipline, such as golf and tennis, indicating that the pace of cricket was not the primary deterrent.

The notion that cricket’s reliance on submission to authority and respect for rules was at odds with American values is also misplaced. American sports culture respects authority in games like football and basketball, where players must adhere to rules and accept referees’ decisions. Therefore, this aspect of cricket was unlikely to be a significant barrier.

Lastly, some argue that Anglophobia, a lingering aversion to British customs, contributed to cricket’s decline. While historical tensions between the U.S. and Britain played a role, this explanation fails to account for the popularity of other British-origin sports in America. Tennis and golf, for instance, have enjoyed widespread acceptance and success.

The logical explanation
The most plausible explanation for cricket’s decline in America is the contemporaneous rise of baseball. As baseball gained popularity, cricket’s appeal waned. Baseball was marketed as a robust, competitive sport, aligning with the American spirit of competition and innovation. The sport’s professional leagues and college scholarships further solidified its position.

Cricket, meanwhile, was seen as an elite pastime, inaccessible to the broader population. The British colonial elite’s exclusivity in promoting cricket in Canada also contributed to its failure there, as young Canadians were discouraged from pursuing the sport. In America, the cultural narrative painted cricket as a genteel, feminine game, further distancing it from the burgeoning, masculine image of baseball.

Cricket’s revival in the modern era
Fast forward to the 21st century, and cricket is experiencing a revival in America, driven largely by the South Asian diaspora. Immigrants from cricket-loving nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have brought their passion for the sport to American shores. Cricket leagues and tournaments are springing up across the country, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity.

Philadelphia remains a significant hub for cricket, with the Philadelphia Cricket Club hosting the annual Philadelphia International Cricket Festival. This event attracts teams from around the world, celebrating the sport’s rich history and contemporary appeal. The revival is also supported by efforts to introduce cricket in schools and communities, providing opportunities for young Americans to engage with the sport.

The story of cricket in America is one of early adoption, decline, and hopeful revival. While cricket was initially embraced, post-independence cultural shifts and the rise of baseball relegated it to the fringes of American sports. Misconceptions about climate, cultural incompatibility, and authority submission fail to explain its decline convincingly. Instead, baseball’s ascendance, driven by figures like A.G. Spalding, played a pivotal role.

Today, cricket is finding new life in America, thanks to the enthusiasm of the South Asian diaspora and renewed efforts to promote the sport. As cricket continues to grow, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of cultural diffusion and the evolving landscape of American sports. Cricket’s journey in America, marked by abandonment and revival, underscores the enduring appeal of this ancient game and its potential to captivate new generations of fans.