New Delhi: The year was 1999, and the cricket match featured arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the Super Six stage of the World Cup at Manchester. The atmosphere was extra tense due to the ongoing Kargil War, which had begun in May a month before.
Rakesh Patel vividly remembers that he and a group of fellow supporters realised that it was not a wise decision to be surrounded by Pakistani cricket fans at Old Trafford. So, they decided to come together and create a united front.
“It was around 200 of us who came together. We created a fantastic atmosphere for the match, which India won,” Patel recalls.
That was the start of the journey for what is now widely known as the Bharat Army — an official supporters’ group for Indian cricket fans who travel the world to cheer for Team India.
The Bharat Army has since become a beloved group of fans in the cricket world, known for their energetic and passionate support for the Indian team. Their dedication and spirit have inspired countless other cricket fans, and they continue to be a source of pride for India and its diaspora.
🇮🇳 #OnThisDay in 1999: Team India defeat Pakistan at the #CWC1999 as the Bharat Army come together to watch their first-ever game. Unforgettable memories ♥️
📸 The Hindu | #otd #throwback #dravid #rahuldravid #teamindia #oldtrafford #breakthechain #throwback #bharatarmy pic.twitter.com/Upm98dVxRg
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) June 8, 2020
Today, the Bharat Army claims that it has over 5,000 passionate fans following the march of India cricket team in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the US and the West Indies.
During the previous World Cup in India, the group boasted to have orchestrated travel for a staggering 18,000 cricket fans.
Patel likens this to the global followings of teams like Argentina in football and Manchester United at a club level. “They all have a lot of travelling fans and it is something we do as well.”
Cricket came easily to the UK born and bred Patel, as his father played and captained the Kenyan cricket team in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. An East African Indian living in Kenya, Patel’s father was an opening batsman and spin bowler.
The Indian cricket team’s recent performance on the international stage has been a topic of intense discussion among fans and pundits alike. With no ICC trophy in over a decade, the team’s journey in the ongoing T20 World Cup has sparked a wave of anticipation and anxiety.
Amid these fluctuating fortunes, the Bharat Army continues to stand firm, with their passion undiminished. “When we established the Bharat Army, one of our core values was loyalty, a principle that has remained unchanged till this day,” Patel says.
He speaks about India’s campaigns in various World Cups and their historic test series win over Australia Down Under to emphasise how the team has played great cricket over the years.
“In my opinion, the role of a fan club is to stand by the team through thick and thin. This approach has earned us recognition and respect from the players, who value our unwavering support,” the Bharat Army founder tells ThePrint over the phone.
This steadfast loyalty, even in tough times, he says, is what sets the Bharat Army apart from other fan groups.
The Bharat Army was created as a way to connect all Indians around the world in one common form whenever the team plays, he asserts.
“What we were lacking 25 years ago was how we connect fans in an organised way; how do you create emotional experiences to encourage people to keep doing what we do,” the UK-born Indian cricket fan says, regarding the importance of organised connection.
While the Bharat Army’s journey began as a not-for-profit organisation, it realised the potential for growth after the 2015 World Cup in Australia and decided to professionalise operations. They partnered with a travel agency to offer a more streamlined and organised experience for Indian cricket fans.
A milestone was achieved when the Bharat Army received an official travelling licence from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the 2017 Champions Trophy that was hosted by England and Wales. It then sold 11,000-plus tour packages for the 2019 World Cup in England.
The Bharat Army has evolved into a successful commercial business with multiple income streams, including sponsorships from MNCs like Coca-Cola and Airtel for the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.
With over 2,00,000 signed members, the Bharat Army has its head office in Ahmedabad, apart from an office in London, and regional heads in various cricket-playing regions and states.
Focus is on transforming away games into experiences akin to home matches, with extensive planning occurring behind the scenes. Many are unaware that turning an opposing team’s stadium into a home field takes several months of meticulous preparation. For instance, as India gears up for their 2025 summer tour of England, targeting a potential World Test Championship final, the groundwork has already commenced.
Liaisons with venues have been established, and ticket allocation strategies are being developed. Furthermore, similar efforts are underway for the Australian tour later in the year, with a high volume of tickets already sold, particularly for marquee matches such as the Boxing Day test and iconic venues, Patel says.
“Fans often purchase tickets in different sections of the stadium, only to seek seats in our designated stands, showing no concern for the financial implications. They’re willing to go to great lengths to be part of our group,” he says.
Like the big football clubs boasting of a dedicated base of travelling supporters, the Bharat Army has the ‘BA Ultras,’ who receive unique black memberships, not available for purchase, but granted by established fans.
“We might need to halt this trend soon as it impacts priority ticket allocations,” Patel says.
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Fond memories
The journey has come with its own set of fond memories. Going back to 2003, during the World Cup in South Africa, Patel recalls how Sourav Ganguly egged them to back the team.
“India was playing Pakistan at Centurion, and the Pakistani team had built a substantial partnership. Sourav, then Indian captain, turned to the Bharat Army and gestured to us to support the team. The entire stadium erupted, marking the first time an Indian captain had acknowledged our presence and harnessed our support,” he recalls.
When India won a test series in Australia in 2018, a BCCI media representative expressed plans for a special recognition to the group due to its unwavering support, even in challenging series like the England tour in 2018.
The tribute turned out to be a chance to greet the players, enjoy music, and dance together. The supporters spent a significant 20-30 minutes with the Indian team, expressing gratitude and receiving it in return. “That meant a lot because, as a fan club, when you’re valued and recognised by the people you support on the field, that’s the purpose of a fan club fulfilled,” he says.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged their support after India’s win in the 2016 T20 World Cup against Bangladesh, he says.
Another cherished moment featured Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, who approached Patel in a Manchester hotel after the fifth test match was called off in 2021. Kohli thanked them for their support throughout the series, leaving a lasting impression. “He’s a busy man, and he didn’t have to do it, but he came up to me, and that means a lot coming from an Indian captain,” Patel says.
Kohli has become a ‘cheerleader’ for the team, not just a player, according to Patel. “He encouraged us to be the ’12th man’, creating an atmosphere to pressure the opposition. These are the moments when the Bharat Army is at its best.”
The Bharat Army founder went on to emphasise the importance of inclusivity. “We have a high percentage of fans that wouldn’t be able to travel with us, but that’s where we come in. We want to provide experiences for all fans, whether you’re a wealthy individual or an everyday fan from a second- or third-tier village.”
“We have tied up with cinemas and venues to organise screenings, and we’re selling out venues.”
In addition to cricket, the Bharat Army does its bit to support fellow national teams representing India in other sports. “We strongly join India’s Olympic movement and aim for success outside of cricket as well.”
“One of our objectives is to give back to India through support and education,” Patel says “We have supported more than 3,500 government schoolchildren, partnering with ‘SFA’ Sports For All. It’s a big part of what we do as a fan club and aim to do more in the future.”
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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