Archive · 12 Sep 2025
Bharat Army's Rise: ICC and BCCI Embrace Cricket Fan Culture
Imagine a group of super fans for the Indian cricket team, called the Bharat Army.
They started small but have grown into a massive group all over the world, showing their support with cheers and songs.
They are like the '12th Man' of the team.
Now, important cricket organizations like the ICC and BCCI are starting to recognize them.
The ICC even lets them help fans travel to games, and the BCCI allows them to bring drums and trumpets to the games.
This shows how fan groups are becoming a bigger part of cricket.
The Bharat Army's goal is to always support the Indian team and give Indian fans a voice.
The Bharat Army, a global fan group, originated in 1999 during a World Cup in England.
The group has over 200,000 registered members worldwide.
The ICC licensed the Bharat Army as an official travel provider in 2017.
The BCCI now permits musical instruments in Indian stadiums.
The Bharat Army aims to unite Indian cricket fans globally and enhance the fan experience.
- Who
- The Bharat Army, a global community of Indian cricket fans.
- What
- The growing influence and recognition of organized cricket fan groups.
- When
- Since 1999, with increasing recognition in recent years.
- Where
- Cricket stadiums worldwide and within the Indian diaspora.
- Why
- To unite Indian cricket fans globally and enhance the fan experience.
- Founded
- 1999 in England
- Membership
- Over 200,000 registered members
- ICC Recognition
- Licensed as an official travel and tours provider in 2017
- BCCI Change
- Allowed instruments in stadiums by 2023 World Cup
- Founder
- Rakesh Patel