Oh, that's really great question! I had the same reaction until I came across an article that explains it all. Cricket in India is not just a sport, but an entire industry. Television and sponsors played a huge role, pouring a ton of money into broadcasts and advertising. And the IPL, of course, turned everything upside down. Read more here —
https://gutshotmagazine.com/fantasy-spo ... -in-india/, it's explained very clearly. After this, you will understand exactly why they have cricket as a religion.