International citizens reflect on cricket fever in India

With the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup starting tomorrow, we speak to five international citizens to gauge what they make of the cricket fever that’s enveloped India

Things are changing
United States of America: Mike Hankey, Consul General

Sachin Tendulkar with US Consul General, Mike Hankey

I am a huge cricket fan and have been following the sport for many years. I was recently in Ahmedabad where I watched India win against Pakistan. The energy in the stadium was incredible. Earlier in October, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti was in Mumbai when the International Olympic Committee announced cricket as an Olympic sport.

In fact, he is instrumental in showcasing cricket for the new audiences in the US. Cricket has a fanbase of more than one billion people; and with the inclusion in Olympics, it will bring more visibility to the sport. Things are changing, and the US is playing a positive role in this transformation.
My pick: I am cheering for India.

Just looking like a wow 
South Korea: Aoora, K-pop artiste

During my stay here, I have regularly seen cricket being played. I also watched the recent game between India and New Zealand. It was so exciting and fun. I do want to play it someday.
Sadly, I don’t think it will ever grow popular in South Korea. People hardly know the game. The most popular game in the country is football. If ever they make it to a tournament, it would be the surprise of my life. All I would think of is ‘So beautiful, so elegant, just looking like a wow!’
My pick: I am rooting for my second home — India.

It brings people together
The Netherlands: Gwenda Schobert, founder-CEO, Dreamers+Creators marketing agency

I moved to Mumbai in 2014, and have been in the city since. Though I am a football player and fan, it is hard to escape cricket. Even before moving to India, everyone told me that cricket is a religion here. It is true in that it unites people. There are a lot of Indian expats in the country, and even The Netherlands, and that influence has helped spread the word about 
the game.
My pick:  The buzz is definitely going India’s way.

I love the movement of people in the game
United States of America: Craig Boehmann, photographer

As an American, I sometimes find the game confusing. What makes me happy is the sight of people in motion. I enjoy the idea of watching them take a Sunday off, and play the game in every little park and corner of the city. It might be strange if America makes it to a cricket tournament, although with the Olympics, there is a possibility. What strikes me is that the US does not have a national team, except for soccer or the Olympics, around which an entire nation gathers with such passionate intensity. That is 
the difference.
My pick: The chatter is all about India’s performance.

The passion is different 
Germany: Felix Hug, head of arts, Kanakia International School

I lived in Namibia for eight years. We would go to South Africa once a year, where the sport is big. I also watched a few games at Trent Bridge in
England. But in 2011, when India won the World Cup, I saw the extent of the passion. As a German, I grew up watching football, but cricket has an interesting tactical side. The sport is growing in Europe because of the influence from India and England.
My pick:  India is a strong contender. South Africa may give them a tough fight though.

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