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Sports
Sunil Gavaskar urges cricket to be played everywhere for its growth
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 04:39 AM
👁 3
Former India great Sunil Gavaskar said cricket can only expand if it is played across more regions, speaking ahead of the Asian Games.
Former Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the need for cricket to reach new territories if the sport is to sustain its growth. Speaking at a press briefing linked to the Asian Games, he emphasized that broader participation is essential for the game's future.
Gavaskar noted that while cricket enjoys massive popularity in South Asia, its global footprint remains limited. He urged cricket boards and governing bodies to promote the sport in schools, clubs and emerging markets, arguing that exposure at grassroots levels will create a larger fan base.
The comments come as cricket continues to feature in multi‑sport events like the Asian Games, offering a platform to showcase the game to audiences beyond traditional strongholds. Gavaskar's call for wider play aligns with ongoing efforts by the International Cricket Council to expand the sport's reach.
Stakeholders in Indian cricket have welcomed the remarks, indicating that initiatives to introduce cricket in non‑traditional regions are already underway. The former captain's advocacy adds weight to the push for a more inclusive, worldwide cricketing ecosystem.
Gavaskar noted that while cricket enjoys massive popularity in South Asia, its global footprint remains limited. He urged cricket boards and governing bodies to promote the sport in schools, clubs and emerging markets, arguing that exposure at grassroots levels will create a larger fan base.
The comments come as cricket continues to feature in multi‑sport events like the Asian Games, offering a platform to showcase the game to audiences beyond traditional strongholds. Gavaskar's call for wider play aligns with ongoing efforts by the International Cricket Council to expand the sport's reach.
Stakeholders in Indian cricket have welcomed the remarks, indicating that initiatives to introduce cricket in non‑traditional regions are already underway. The former captain's advocacy adds weight to the push for a more inclusive, worldwide cricketing ecosystem.