‘First love’ – how 1983 World Cup win triggered India’s obsession with cricket

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“Batsman Sunil Gavaskar (L) and former captain Kapil Dev were two of the heroes of India’s 1983 World Cup win. ©AFP” /> New Delhi (AFP) – “First love red an obsession with the sport in India and created its biggest market — ultimately making India’s board the richest and most powerful in the world. India was previously a hockey-loving nation, owing to their five Olympic gold medals between 1948 and 1980.But on June 25, 1983, India’s cricketers became world-beaters. Nobody saw the victory coming, after India came into the one-day tournament…