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The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BCCI, by ordering it to move the cash cow IPL out of the drought-stricken Maharashtra. The court orders struck a chord among many, including die-hard cricket fans. The stark contrast between parched lands and dry throats of rural and semi-urban Maharashtra and the manufactured euphoria around water-guzzling cricket pitches did shake people’s conscience. The arguments in the court captured the latent and at times, simmering unease in the public mind over the degeneration of cricket from a sport to a money-spinner and worse.
Moreover, cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers. On top of it, the mighty cricket board, perceived to be a hub of myriad commercial and political vested interests, became a law unto itself.
Q. Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?
  • a)
    National sport elected by the Government and people of India
  • b)
    Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decision
  • c)
    Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of India
  • d)
    Colonial gift to India
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BC...
In the second last line of the passage, the author clearly states that cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers
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The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BC...
Understanding 'De Facto National Sport'
In the passage, cricket is referred to as the 'de facto national sport' of India. This phrase has specific implications regarding the status and acceptance of cricket within Indian society.
Meaning of 'De Facto'
- Definition: The term 'de facto' means in practice or in effect, regardless of the official status. It contrasts with 'de jure,' which refers to something that is legally recognized.
- Implication: By stating cricket is the de facto national sport, the author emphasizes that while there may not be an official declaration by the government, cricket is widely accepted and celebrated by the population as the primary sport in India.
Reasons for Cricket’s Status
- Cultural Significance: Cricket has transcended its origins as a colonial sport to become a significant part of Indian culture, fostering national pride and unity.
- Commercial Success: The immense popularity of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches has turned cricket into a lucrative business, further embedding it in the national consciousness.
- Neglect of Other Sports: The author notes that cricket's dominance has overshadowed other sports, particularly hockey, which was historically considered the national sport.
Conclusion
- Public Sentiment: The reference to cricket as a 'de facto national sport' reflects a broader societal acknowledgment of its prominence, despite the lack of formal recognition. It highlights the emotional and cultural ties that the population has with cricket, making it a powerful symbol of national identity in India.
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The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BCCI, by ordering it to move the cash cow IPL out of the drought-stricken Maharashtra. The court orders struck a chord among many, including die-hard cricket fans. The stark contrast between parched lands and dry throats of rural and semi-urban Maharashtra and the manufactured euphoria around water-guzzling cricket pitches did shake people’s conscience. The arguments in the court captured the latent and at times, simmering unease in the public mind over the degeneration of cricket from a sport to a money-spinner and worse.Moreover, cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers. On top of it, the mighty cricket board, perceived to be a hub of myriad commercial and political vested interests, became a law unto itself.Q. Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?a)National sport elected by the Government and people of Indiab)Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decisionc)Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of Indiad)Colonial gift to IndiaCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BCCI, by ordering it to move the cash cow IPL out of the drought-stricken Maharashtra. The court orders struck a chord among many, including die-hard cricket fans. The stark contrast between parched lands and dry throats of rural and semi-urban Maharashtra and the manufactured euphoria around water-guzzling cricket pitches did shake people’s conscience. The arguments in the court captured the latent and at times, simmering unease in the public mind over the degeneration of cricket from a sport to a money-spinner and worse.Moreover, cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers. On top of it, the mighty cricket board, perceived to be a hub of myriad commercial and political vested interests, became a law unto itself.Q. Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?a)National sport elected by the Government and people of Indiab)Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decisionc)Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of Indiad)Colonial gift to IndiaCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BCCI, by ordering it to move the cash cow IPL out of the drought-stricken Maharashtra. The court orders struck a chord among many, including die-hard cricket fans. The stark contrast between parched lands and dry throats of rural and semi-urban Maharashtra and the manufactured euphoria around water-guzzling cricket pitches did shake people’s conscience. The arguments in the court captured the latent and at times, simmering unease in the public mind over the degeneration of cricket from a sport to a money-spinner and worse.Moreover, cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers. On top of it, the mighty cricket board, perceived to be a hub of myriad commercial and political vested interests, became a law unto itself.Q. Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?a)National sport elected by the Government and people of Indiab)Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decisionc)Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of Indiad)Colonial gift to IndiaCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BCCI, by ordering it to move the cash cow IPL out of the drought-stricken Maharashtra. The court orders struck a chord among many, including die-hard cricket fans. The stark contrast between parched lands and dry throats of rural and semi-urban Maharashtra and the manufactured euphoria around water-guzzling cricket pitches did shake people’s conscience. The arguments in the court captured the latent and at times, simmering unease in the public mind over the degeneration of cricket from a sport to a money-spinner and worse.Moreover, cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers. On top of it, the mighty cricket board, perceived to be a hub of myriad commercial and political vested interests, became a law unto itself.Q. Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?a)National sport elected by the Government and people of Indiab)Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decisionc)Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of Indiad)Colonial gift to IndiaCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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The arguments in the court captured the latent and at times, simmering unease in the public mind over the degeneration of cricket from a sport to a money-spinner and worse.Moreover, cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers. On top of it, the mighty cricket board, perceived to be a hub of myriad commercial and political vested interests, became a law unto itself.Q. Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?a)National sport elected by the Government and people of Indiab)Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decisionc)Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of Indiad)Colonial gift to IndiaCorrect answer is option 'C'. 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Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?a)National sport elected by the Government and people of Indiab)Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decisionc)Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of Indiad)Colonial gift to IndiaCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BCCI, by ordering it to move the cash cow IPL out of the drought-stricken Maharashtra. The court orders struck a chord among many, including die-hard cricket fans. The stark contrast between parched lands and dry throats of rural and semi-urban Maharashtra and the manufactured euphoria around water-guzzling cricket pitches did shake people’s conscience. The arguments in the court captured the latent and at times, simmering unease in the public mind over the degeneration of cricket from a sport to a money-spinner and worse.Moreover, cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers. On top of it, the mighty cricket board, perceived to be a hub of myriad commercial and political vested interests, became a law unto itself.Q. Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?a)National sport elected by the Government and people of Indiab)Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decisionc)Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of Indiad)Colonial gift to IndiaCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice The Bombay High Court stumped India’s most powerful sporting body, BCCI, by ordering it to move the cash cow IPL out of the drought-stricken Maharashtra. The court orders struck a chord among many, including die-hard cricket fans. The stark contrast between parched lands and dry throats of rural and semi-urban Maharashtra and the manufactured euphoria around water-guzzling cricket pitches did shake people’s conscience. The arguments in the court captured the latent and at times, simmering unease in the public mind over the degeneration of cricket from a sport to a money-spinner and worse.Moreover, cricket, another colonial gift, had become the de facto national sport, crushing hockey and all other sports under its pitch rollers. On top of it, the mighty cricket board, perceived to be a hub of myriad commercial and political vested interests, became a law unto itself.Q. Why does the author mean by referring cricket as the ‘de facto national sport’ in the passage?a)National sport elected by the Government and people of Indiab)Generally accepted national sport of India chosen by formal decisionc)Not by formal decision but generally accepted national sport of Indiad)Colonial gift to IndiaCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
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