For most of cricket’s history, fans were like a background chorus. They cheered, waved flags, and filled stadiums, but they didn’t play a central role like in football. That all began to change around the year 2000, especially with the rise of the Bharat Army.
Founded in 1999 during the World Cup in England, the Bharat Army started as a small group of Indian fans in Manchester. Today, they boast over 200,000 registered members worldwide. Their colorful outfits, energetic chants, and lively music have become a staple at cricket matches across the globe. They consider themselves the “12th Man” of Indian cricket and symbolize how organized fandom is finally gaining recognition in this sport.
The evolution has been gradual. In 2017, the International Cricket Council (ICC) recognized the Bharat Army as an official partner for the Champions Trophy. This role allowed them to facilitate fans’ experiences at major tournaments. Fast forward to the 2019 World Cup, when over 11,000 Indian fans from 23 different countries traveled with them.
Even the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has adapted. For many years, instruments were banned in Indian stadiums. By the 2023 World Cup, though, drums and trumpets were allowed, thanks in large part to the Bharat Army’s persistent advocacy. This shift meant that for Indian players, matches abroad felt more like home. Administrators started to see fan collectives as essential to enhancing the cricket experience.
Rakesh Patel, the founder of the Bharat Army, reflects on this growth: “We began as a small group wanting to support India. I never thought it would turn into a global community. Today, we unite fans from all over the world under one shared identity—supporting Team India.”
While the cricket landscape is changing with the rise of franchises like the IPL and Major League Cricket, Patel believes there’s no conflict for fans. He sees the new leagues as complementary. “Our heart will always beat for Team India, but we also recognize fans enjoy the excitement of league cricket,” he explains. The challenge is keeping the Bharat Army focused on Indian unity while celebrating diverse club loyalties.
Other fan groups, like the Barmy Army from England, have paved the way for organized support, but the Bharat Army stands out due to the sheer size of its global community and the ICC’s willingness to include them in the sport’s official framework.
Looking ahead, Patel is optimistic about the future. He mentions that fan communities will increasingly shape how tournaments and stadium experiences are designed. “Without fans, cricket doesn’t exist,” he states. Organizers are starting to realize how vital it is to engage passionate communities like the Bharat Army. Their input could help create a more memorable atmosphere at matches.
Ultimately, the question isn’t whether fandom will be a part of cricket, but how much influence it will have. For now, the Bharat Army is happy to continue their lively support. As Patel puts it, their legacy should be simple: “We stood as the 12th Man for Team India, regardless of the outcome, and gave Indian fans a voice that united them globally.”
In recent years, social media has amplified this unity. Fans share their experiences online, creating a digital community that boosts the vibrancy of support, regardless of where they are in the world. This trend demonstrates the growing importance of organized fandom, showing that they are now essential players in the game of cricket.
For more insights on cricket fandom’s evolution, refer to the ICC’s official report.
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