Mumbai: Cricket is a household topic in India. As the cricket season approaches, there is massive excitement for the game among Gen Z and Millennials. Bumble’s new study revealed that the majority (89 per cent) of Indians surveyed claim they are excited to watch Indian women’s cricket in 2023. As per Bumble’s internal data, ‘Cricket’ is one of the top five displayed sports interest badges on Bumble date profiles in India in the month of February.
Cricket dates are popular in Indian sports, cricket in particular, play an important role in dating journeys for Indians.
- 78 per cent of Indians surveyed think cricket matches make for great dates
- A majority (75 per cent) of Indians surveyed say they actively look for a romantic partner with an interest in sports before deciding whether to explore a connection with them.
- Over half (55 per cent) Indians surveyed claim it’s a deal breaker if someone they are romantically interested in didn’t like cricket. This is more true for men (56 per cent) than women (53 percent).
- 70 per cent of Indians surveyed believe cricket match dates helps them learn about someone’s interest and passion in cricket and 63 per cent believe they get to know someone’s personality (how someone reacts to a win or a loss, etc.)
When you’re a die-hard cricket fan but your partner isn’t:
- For 44 per cent of Indians surveyed who’ve been in a dating situation where one liked cricket and the other didn’t, the one who didn’t like cricket compromised and they watched it together, while 41 per cent of Indians surveyed say they spent lots of time apart.
- 32 per cent of Indians surveyed said they grew to love it and for nearly one in five (22 per cent) who’ve been in a dating situation where one liked cricket and the other didn’t, it ended their relationship.
“Cricket dates are super popular in India and shared love for sports seems crucial in choosing a partner per our new study. We want to empower people on Bumble to showcase and discuss things that are important to them. Bumble’s Interest Badges are a quick way to let people know what’s most important to you. By adding the ‘Cricket’ Interest Badge you can highlight your preferences including sports that you enjoy watching, music that you listen to or how you like to spend your time when going out. As you gear up to support your favourite teams and watch cricket, we hope our Bumble community finds meaningful connections through the game!” shared Bumble India Communications director Samarpita Samaddar.
Cricket has always been a male-dominated sport in India, and women often feel left out or even underestimated in their knowledge of sports. Bumble’s new study revealed 71 percent of women respondents admit finding themselves being mansplained during social conversations (parties, gatherings, events, etc) about cricket.
“Mansplaining in sports reflects on everyday sexism and gender biases and is often overlooked. No matter the intention behind it, it is harmful. While you enjoy the matches, don’t offer to explain any rule or strategy unless asked. If you’re asked then explain briefly, free of stereotypes and jibes. It’s important to set clear boundaries to forge healthy and equitable relationships,” added Bumble India Communications director Samarpita Samaddar.
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