Early Cricket in India

by Martin Wilson

Recent years have seen the publication of a number of histories of Indian cricket, some of them very good. However, none of them gives more than a passing glance at the very earliest references to the game on the sub-continent. This article concentrates on references to Indian cricket in the eighteenth century, largely in contemporary newspapers. 

The first mention of cricket on the sub-continent, played by visiting sailors in 1721, is taken from Clement Downing’s Compendious History of the Indian Wars (published 1737): 

‘We lay here [Cambay, near Baroda] a Fortnight before they return’d, and all the while kept a good look-out; and tho’ all the Country round was inhabited by the Culeys (Kolis) we every day diverted ourselves by playing at Cricket, and other Exercises, which they would come and be Spectators of.’ 

There is then a lengthy gap before the next reference. Dr John Clark visited the country between 1769 and 1772, and later reported (Observations on the Diseases which Prevail in Long Voyages to Hot Countries): 

‘In the cool months, at Calcutta, when I was there, the usual diversion gentlemen engaged in was cricket in the afternoon: but even at this time, it seemed too violent an exercise for the climate’. 

The same year, one John Kneller also wrote home, mentioning cricket in Calcutta but without giving further details. 

Within ten years, however, the Bengal Gazette (16 December 1780) reported the existence of a formal club, though the bulk of the report is about food and wine, rather than about on-field activities: 

‘News extraordinary from the Cricket Club: The gentlemen of the Calcutta Cricket Club are getting themselves into wind and are preparing to take the field for a very active campaign—but as Prior observes: “The strength of every other member depends upon the belly timber. They are laying in a capital stock of that necessary ammunition, fed beef and claret, allowing no other intervals but the short time required for its concoction … many of the club are so indefatigable as to work double tides, at this agreeable, though fatiguing operation. Calcutta Cricket Club enjoys today the use of a splendid site as good as can be found anywhere. One reference is enough. At a meeting it was decided to admit officers of Her Majesty’s regiments quartered in Fort William, Dum Dum, Alipore, Barrackpore on payment of half fees because their pay did not permit them to incur the expense. As the Cricket Club had the free use of regimental bands, they have to show some appreciation so the underpaid bandsmen gave their services to help the officers enjoy themselves.’

It is worth emphasizing the date, 1780. This means that the Calcutta Cricket Club was in existence at least seven years before the foundation of the MCC (that is, the one at Marylebone, rather than that at Madras). 

The same month, December 1780, an anonymous diarist came across the cricket club, to his cost: 

‘Tom ... invites us to dine with the Cricket Club on the Esplanade. NB Tom is one of the many worthy Fellows in this Country, who delight in the sports of the Field, and would as soon be hanged as go into a Lady’s company. Dine with the Cricketers, am prevailed on to play—get a rap over the shin that settles me for the evening—go home to Bed.’ 

The same young gentleman reports one adaptation of the game for hot climates, which appears hitherto to have gone unreported: 

‘MEM. am much pleased to find that it is customary here for Gentlemen who play at crickets, to have a Servant to run after the Ball for them, which makes it more entertaining and less laborious than it is in England.’—The Monitor, 23rd December 1780, India Gazette, 30th December 1780

Whilst scarcely anticipating the glories of Ranji or Tendulkar, this would nonetheless appear to be the first reference to Indians taking any part in the game! 

In following seasons, the Calcutta club was keen both to retain existing members and to sign up new ones, as is shown by the following notices taken from different years: 

‘All Gentlemen who have already signed their names to be Members of the Cricket Club, as well as those who wish to become Members and have not signed their names, are requested to meet to Dinner on the Cricket ground on the Esplanade, on Wednesday next the 21st Inst. Calcutta Nov. 16, 1781’.—India Gazette, 17 November 1781

‘THE GENTLEMEN of the CRICKET CLUB are requested to meet on the ground on SATURDAY next to dinner, and all gentlemen, cricket players, desirous of becoming members, are requested to favour the Club with their company on that day.’—Calcutta Gazette, 17 November 1785

As in London and New York around this time, the leading club was commonly referred to as “the Cricket Club’. However, there were no doubt others, as the following notices illustrate: 

‘CRICKET
Gentlemen, who may be inclined to form A CRICKET CLUB, for the ensuing Winter are requested to be present at Mr LE GALLAIS’S TAVERN, on Thursday next, the 29th instant, at 11 am, that necessary regulations may be considered. 22nd October 1789’—Calcutta Chronicle, 22 October 1789) 

We are authorized to inform the Lovers of Cricket, that a scheme for a Club during the winter, has been approved by a select number of Players, and is now laying for signatures at Mr Le Gallais’s Tavern, where it will lay till the 15th instant, when if names sufficient should be signed, the Club will be formed and meet on the 20th on the old Cricket Ground.’—Calcutta Gazette, 5 November 1789

One should note in particular the reference to ‘the old cricket ground’—cricket was no new phenomenon. 

Cricket was not limited to Calcutta, or even to the major cities. Wherever the army went, cricket went too. An officer of the 23rd Regiment, in a letter dated 16 December 1789, reported that: 

‘Cricket, (single wicket) was played by the officers before marching from Cawnpore—and some excellent games—The mornings were so cold, that many of the gentlemen played in their greatcoats—This for our Cricket club.’—Calcutta Chronicle, 24 December 1789

Another correspondent told of a new club in Berhampore. Again, the social side was to the fore, and the number of members is by no means unimpressive. 

‘I must acquaint you that we have formed a cricket-club, which is supported with spirit, and composed on the following principles of conviviality, and good order. In the latter end of October, the number of subscribers was thirty-five, and then it was proposed and agreed on, to meet twice a week, that is, every Tuesday and Friday, that every subscriber should give a dinner according to the alphabetical standing of his name on the list, and that each of the party should have a privilege of bringing his friend. Thus we have so well timed it, that our feasts, amusement, exercises, sports, and the cold weather, will all expire at the same time.’—Calcutta Chronicle, 21 January 1790

In 1792 comes the first reference to matches between different towns. 

‘CRICKET—The CALCUTTA CLUB have challenged the GENTLEMEN of BARRACKPORE and DUM-DUM. They were to meet for a Trial of the Skill in the manly exercise in the Second Week of February on the Esplanade. FORT WILLIAM. The above contest was to be happily followed by a plentiful DINNER, when both parties might try their ability in another way.’—Madras Courier, 23 February 1792

Cricket was now spreading, and the main newspapers brought reports of games from the outposts of empire: 

‘Last night ended three days’ amusements of this place [Saloor Pettah] ... Horse-racing gave appetite for breakfast, and cricket, trap-ball, cock-fighting and nine pins occupied the hours which were not employed at the festive board.’—Calcutta Gazette, 17 September 1792

Not until 1794 do we have the first notice of cricket in Bombay, although it must be highly likely that cricket had been played there for some years. This seems also to be the first reference to betting on cricket on the sub-continent: 

‘A grand Cricket-match will be played on the Esplanade on Saturday next [11th January], eleven gentlemen of a side—the parties to be on the ground at half past 10 o’Clock—we understand many bets are depending on the event of this match.’—Bombay Courier, 4 January 1794

The match was played, and reported in the press, although not for the first time, the writer was at least as interested in the social arrangements, as in the details of the play. 

‘On Saturday last [11th January] the cricket match began, and on the Monday following was determined by Conquest to one of the parties. The sides were distinguished by red and blue Ribbons, and the faithful Colour was obliged to submit to its more brilliant opponent. An elegant cold Collation was on both days provided on the ground under a fly Tent by the players, for the entertainment of their Friends who visited them during the match.’—Bombay Courier, 18 January 1794

The fact that the (unnamed) teams in this match were distinguished merely by coloured ribbons suggests that they were scratch sides, probably made up from within the membership of a single club. Even in the larger British enclaves, the pool of potential players must have been a small one. The visiting military provided a welcome diversion, as is shown later that year: 

‘Now the season opens it is to be hoped the lovers of Cricket will resume their favoured and healthy exercise and in particular not neglect an opportunity that affords a competition with some advocates for this diversion on board the English Fleet.’—Bombay Courier, 13 September 1794

Within a few years, cricket in Bombay appears more organised, and the Bombay Cricket Club is first mentioned by name:

‘CRICKETING.
A GRAND Match at Cricket will be played by the Members to the Bombay Cricket Club on Tuesday the 8th instant, on the ground near to the Apollo Gate. The wickets to be pitched at eight o’Clock. Refreshment in Tents, will be ready on the ground for the accommodation of such Ladies and Gentlemen as intend honouring the Match with their presence as Spectators.’—Bombay Courier, 5 January 1798

Towards the end of the century, newspaper reports describe in detail the arrangements for matches, but scarcely ever comment on the play itself. 

‘CRICKET.
A GRAND Match at CRICKET, will be played on Monday next, the 26th Instant, on the ground near to the Apollo Gate. The sides to be distinguished by Blue and Red Ribbands. The match will commence exactly at Eight in the morning, there will be a Breakfast on the ground precisely at Seven, for the Players and Managers of the CRICKET CLUB, and refreshments and a cold Collation at One, for such Ladies and Gentlemen as may honour the Meeting by their presence. Bombay, 23rd November, 1798.’—Bombay Courier, 24 November 1798) 

‘CRICKET.
The Grand Match that was played on Monday the 26th Ultimo, having been very closely and ably contested, will be played again on Monday the 31st Instant. The sides will be distinguished and a Breakfast and Tiffing on the ground as usual. Bombay, 21st December, 1798.’—Bombay Courier, 22nd December 1798

This is clearly organised, albeit purely recreational, cricket, transplanted from a distant homeland by merchants, soldiers and administrators. There are organised clubs, playing on designated grounds and watched by spectators. Matches are advertised in newspapers, and to a limited extent, the results reported. Tents are erected, refreshments provided, and betting takes place. 

Indian cricket has a long way to go, but it is established. 

This article first appeared in The Cricket Statistician for Winter 2010. To join the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, and subscribe to the journal, please visit our website: