What exactly is cricket’s ‘El Classico’?

[Rana]

A genuine and honest question. I feel this term ‘el Classico’ is thrown around carelessly by T20/IPL generation cricket fans in order to somehow make something look much larger than it actually is.

The term ‘el Classico’ should hit your head and imagination as a sports fan, of 22 guys in pure white and Blue/Red playing in the most glamorous stadiums in sport with the entire world watching and feeling the adrenaline.

Does cricket have this at all?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Nothing more than a desperation by IPL fans. Most of them don't give a damn about which teams wins or loses the match. They are not loyal towards their mickey mouse franchises.

 

[Ab Fan]

El Classico is a term given to a Football match between two rival clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

While it is a loosely used term but an analogy done in cricket for that would be again a game between two of the most fierce and competitive rival teams of the past decade or so who are going pretty strong.

Cricket's EL Classico can be loosely used for test matches between India and Australia as these two are the most formidable teams currently going around. The big stars play and battle against each other in this competition. I know Ashes is obviously the pinnacle cricket game but at the moment, England are pretty poor in Test Cricket and this has been case with them over past 8 years (2013-14 Ashes onwards) whenever they play Australia. It seems that white ball cricket is the benchmark for them now as they don't seem to be willing to show any improvement whenever they tour Australia.

In contrast, the India- Australia game has become the El Classico of cricket over past two decades because of immense competition and battles between big players that have happened when these two teams tour each other. The likes of David Warner, Smith, Lyon, Cummins all have already said that winning the test series in India this year will be pinnacle for them.

Moving on to T20s, half of the players in T20I cricket are resting or playing for some franchises when there is international matches going around which tells us the importance of T20I games. So, that simply can't be El Classico. For those who follow the game closely, T20 EL Classico is widely referred as the game between two of the biggest IPL franchise teams, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super kings and it has become a general consensus now.

 

[Rana]

El Classico is a term given to a Football match between two rival clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

While it is a loosely used term but an analogy done in cricket for that would be again a game between two of the most fierce and competitive rival teams of the past decade or so who are going pretty strong.

Cricket's EL Classico can be loosely used for test matches between India and Australia as these two are the most formidable teams currently going around. The big stars play and battle against each other in this competition. I know Ashes is obviously the pinnacle cricket game but at the moment, England are pretty poor in Test Cricket and this has been case with them over past 8 years (2013-14 Ashes onwards) whenever they play Australia. It seems that white ball cricket is the benchmark for them now as they don't seem to be willing to show any improvement whenever they tour Australia.

In contrast, the India- Australia game has become the El Classico of cricket over past two decades because of immense competition and battles between big players that have happened when these two teams tour each other. The likes of David Warner, Smith, Lyon, Cummins all have already said that winning the test series in India this year will be pinnacle for them.

Moving on to T20s, half of the players in T20I cricket are resting or playing for some franchises when there is international matches going around which tells us the importance of T20I games. So, that simply can't be El Classico. For those who follow the game closely, T20 EL Classico is widely referred as the game between two of the biggest IPL franchise teams, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super kings and it has become a general consensus now.

So you have to follow a game very very closely to know that Mumbai Indians v CSK is an el Classico? Is that what you are saying?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

El Classico is a term given to a Football match between two rival clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

While it is a loosely used term but an analogy done in cricket for that would be again a game between two of the most fierce and competitive rival teams of the past decade or so who are going pretty strong.

Cricket's EL Classico can be loosely used for test matches between India and Australia as these two are the most formidable teams currently going around. The big stars play and battle against each other in this competition. I know Ashes is obviously the pinnacle cricket game but at the moment, England are pretty poor in Test Cricket and this has been case with them over past 8 years (2013-14 Ashes onwards) whenever they play Australia. It seems that white ball cricket is the benchmark for them now as they don't seem to be willing to show any improvement whenever they tour Australia.

In contrast, the India- Australia game has become the El Classico of cricket over past two decades because of immense competition and battles between big players that have happened when these two teams tour each other. The likes of David Warner, Smith, Lyon, Cummins all have already said that winning the test series in India this year will be pinnacle for them.

Moving on to T20s, half of the players in T20I cricket are resting or playing for some franchises when there is international matches going around which tells us the importance of T20I games. So, that simply can't be El Classico. For those who follow the game closely, T20 EL Classico is widely referred as the game between two of the biggest IPL franchise teams, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super kings and it has become a general consensus now.

IPL and their fans try too hard to copy football's big leagues and their fans. El Classico will always be used for Real Madrid vs Barcelona matches. At least find a desi word to describe Pyjama League's biggest franchise teams rivalry.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

So you have to follow a game very very closely to know that Mumbai Indians v CSK is an el Classico? Is that what you are saying?

Yeah that's how big and popular this rivalry is. You also have to remind people that El Classico in cricket is happening today.

 

[Babeikh]

Franchise cricket hasn't been around for long enough to have an 'el classico' and domestic cricket simply doesn't have the same cultural and community links that domestic football has.

If there is to be a direct comparison then only Pakistan v India can be compared to or talked about as an 'el classico' type game, but nothing in the IPL, PSL etc comes anywhere near.

 

[Rana]

Yeah that's how big and popular this rivalry is. You also have to remind people that El Classico in cricket is happening today.

I remember MMHS once said that a local football rivalry in Bangladesh was the biggest football game for football fans in that region.

I guess, if you follow something very very closely, you will see the El Classico in it

 

[Rana]

Franchise cricket hasn't been around for long enough to have an 'el classico' and domestic cricket simply doesn't have the same cultural and community links that domestic football has.

If there is to be a direct comparison then only Pakistan v India can be compared to or talked about as an 'el classico' type game, but nothing in the IPL, PSL etc comes anywhere near.

Also I think El Classico has serious political background as well with the Catalan region wanting to separate from the rest of Spain. Players cannot directly transfer from one team to the other as this would put their lives under threat

I suppose a player transferring from CSK to MI might need state level security [MENTION=133512]AB_Fan[/MENTION]?

 

[Babeikh]

Also I think El Classico has serious political background as well with the Catalan region wanting to separate from the rest of Spain. Players cannot directly transfer from one team to the other as this would put their lives under threat

I suppose a player transferring from CSK to MI might need state level security [MENTION=133512]AB_Fan[/MENTION]?

Exactly. It has political and cultural connotations, feelings of identity and ethnicity going back over a hundred years. It simply has no comparison in any franchise or domestic cricket league

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars

 

[Sidilicious]

Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal is the oldest football rivalry.

Ashes then is equivalent of that

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

You need political, religious, ethnic stories for games to become rivalries.

Franchise cricket is created by advertisers. There is some emotion such as Karachi vs Lahore or Dehli vs Mumbai (?) or Dhaka vs Chittagong but really nothing solid underneath.

They are never ever going to become something else.

Also, cricket is rarely the winner in these contexts. You win or you lose, you dust it off, go home, load pics of your dog on instagram, cop some abuse, some love and the next game is tomorrow.

Liverpool vs Man United or Barcelona vs Real Madrid - a loss hurts.

The closest I can think of is Pakistan vs India or Argentina vs England (football) or Australia vs NZ (maybe means more to Kiwis).

At least there is history there, which is not created by bunch of greedy opportunists.

 

[MenInG]

Or this...

==

Fans are waiting desperately for the high-voltage clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings and the El Clasico of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will be played on Thursday evening at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Both sides are languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2022 points table and both of them need a win to keep their playoffs alive. Mumbai Indians are yet to win a single game this season while CSK have won just one match. Ahead of the match, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has represented both franchises, said that the MI-CSK clash gives him the feeling similar to an India-Pakistan game.

Speaking on Cricket Live on Star Sports, Harbhajan said: "It felt strange when I first wore the CSK jersey after sitting in the Mumbai Indians dressing room for 10 years. For me, both the teams have been very special. The match between these two IPL giants gives the feeling of an India-Pakistan contest due to the rivalry factor and the level of competition."

"When I first stepped down on the field against MI, I was praying for the match to end soon because there was emotion and a lot of pressure involved in that game. Luckily that match ended early and CSK won it," he stated further.

Suryakumar Yadav and Dewald Brevis also spoke about their part of the excitement of being around the team, challenges and the opposition team.

Speaking on the MI TV on Star Sports, Suryakumar said, "I think it has been going on for a decade now people are talking about MI vs CSK. I think it has always been there and I feel it will always be there because that bond between the two teams is very special whenever both the teams take the ground against each other, I feel it's a completely different atmosphere altogether."

"For our family, the IPL is one of the biggest T20 leagues we follow. I really want to be honest about my family. So, from the start of the IPL, my mother has been a Mumbai supporter. She loves Mumbai and she was so happy and grateful when I got contracted here," the young South African said.

"My Dad was from Kolkata but everyone in the family moved now to Mumbai. I still need to work a bit on my brother as he is a CSK supporter but I think he will get in there," he said about the loyalties of his family members.

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
In terms of head-to-head record, Mumbai Indians have the edge over Chennai Super Kings as they have won 19 games as compared to CSK's 13.

Mumbai Indians have won the IPL title a record five times while CSK have won it four times.

https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2022/mi...-of-titans-2906637#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Or this...

==

Fans are waiting desperately for the high-voltage clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings and the El Clasico of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will be played on Thursday evening at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Both sides are languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2022 points table and both of them need a win to keep their playoffs alive. Mumbai Indians are yet to win a single game this season while CSK have won just one match. Ahead of the match, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has represented both franchises, said that the MI-CSK clash gives him the feeling similar to an India-Pakistan game.

Speaking on Cricket Live on Star Sports, Harbhajan said: "It felt strange when I first wore the CSK jersey after sitting in the Mumbai Indians dressing room for 10 years. For me, both the teams have been very special. The match between these two IPL giants gives the feeling of an India-Pakistan contest due to the rivalry factor and the level of competition."

"When I first stepped down on the field against MI, I was praying for the match to end soon because there was emotion and a lot of pressure involved in that game. Luckily that match ended early and CSK won it," he stated further.

Suryakumar Yadav and Dewald Brevis also spoke about their part of the excitement of being around the team, challenges and the opposition team.

Speaking on the MI TV on Star Sports, Suryakumar said, "I think it has been going on for a decade now people are talking about MI vs CSK. I think it has always been there and I feel it will always be there because that bond between the two teams is very special whenever both the teams take the ground against each other, I feel it's a completely different atmosphere altogether."

"For our family, the IPL is one of the biggest T20 leagues we follow. I really want to be honest about my family. So, from the start of the IPL, my mother has been a Mumbai supporter. She loves Mumbai and she was so happy and grateful when I got contracted here," the young South African said.

"My Dad was from Kolkata but everyone in the family moved now to Mumbai. I still need to work a bit on my brother as he is a CSK supporter but I think he will get in there," he said about the loyalties of his family members.

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
In terms of head-to-head record, Mumbai Indians have the edge over Chennai Super Kings as they have won 19 games as compared to CSK's 13.

Mumbai Indians have won the IPL title a record five times while CSK have won it four times.

https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2022/mi...-of-titans-2906637#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

India-Pakistan rivalry is out of their reach. There is much more to it than the cricket itself and that is why it is never going to die. Only India-Pakistan rivlary or Ashes can be called El Classico in cricket.

 

[Rana]

So today I learned CSK v MI is like an India/Pakistan match.

I haven’t been watching cricket enough I think

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

So today I learned CSK v MI is like an India/Pakistan match.

I haven’t been watching cricket enough I think

Expect at least 3000 replies in IPL match thread today. Mods are also going to remove the avatars and lock the forum for non registered users today due to heavy traffic on website just like they do during Indo-Pak matches.

 

[Varun]

Funny thing is these IPL fans won't even remember this game 3-4 days from now.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The answer is quite obviously: Chattogram Challengers vs. Minister Group Dhaka.

 

[Rana]

Funny thing is these IPL fans won't even remember this game 3-4 days from now.

Not [MENTION=133512]AB_Fan[/MENTION]

He will remember this like everyone remembers Ronaldinho’s hattrick at the Bernabeu

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Not [MENTION=133512]AB_Fan[/MENTION]

He will remember this like everyone remembers Ronaldinho’s hattrick at the Bernabeu

Funny thing is he doesn't like any type of T20 cricket.

 

[MenInG]

So today I learned CSK v MI is like an India/Pakistan match.

I haven’t been watching cricket enough I think

Hey don't shoot the messenger.

 

[sweep_shot]

There's no El Classico in cricket currently.

It used to be Pakistan vs India but the old intensity is no longer there.

Cricket in general has become very objective. Less gimmicks nowadays.

 

[shujaatraza]

El Classico is a term given to a Football match between two rival clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

While it is a loosely used term but an analogy done in cricket for that would be again a game between two of the most fierce and competitive rival teams of the past decade or so who are going pretty strong.

Cricket's EL Classico can be loosely used for test matches between India and Australia as these two are the most formidable teams currently going around. The big stars play and battle against each other in this competition. I know Ashes is obviously the pinnacle cricket game but at the moment, England are pretty poor in Test Cricket and this has been case with them over past 8 years (2013-14 Ashes onwards) whenever they play Australia. It seems that white ball cricket is the benchmark for them now as they don't seem to be willing to show any improvement whenever they tour Australia.

In contrast, the India- Australia game has become the El Classico of cricket over past two decades because of immense competition and battles between big players that have happened when these two teams tour each other. The likes of David Warner, Smith, Lyon, Cummins all have already said that winning the test series in India this year will be pinnacle for them.

Moving on to T20s, half of the players in T20I cricket are resting or playing for some franchises when there is international matches going around which tells us the importance of T20I games. So, that simply can't be El Classico. For those who follow the game closely, T20 EL Classico is widely referred as the game between two of the biggest IPL franchise teams, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super kings and it has become a general consensus now.

So I just saw the league table and found out that MI and CSK are the bottom 2 teams. Sounds more like a relegation table if there was one.

 

[Major]

Wait what? Chenai and mumbai are an el classico match? ) I have heard this for the first time.

And did i read correctly, autralia vs india is also considered an el classico? That is such a desperate rivalry.
Australia doesnt even consider india as rivals. India desperately says that no you are rivals, like wth.

 

[Major]

Ashes can be considered, but the problem is that england doesnt win. Its always australia winning. Ashes only becomes exciting when england wins as it becomes more of a underdog rising up.

But franchise cricket is etill new and doesn have amy history to be consider any game as el classico.

Even in psl it would be ridiculous as psl is only 7 years old, and babar azam of lahore is the captain of karachi

To create an elclassico, you need history, you need cracy fans, you need that vendetta and most important, you need to have a history of matches filled with anger and hate between the two teams. To develop all this can take 25+ years

 

[Babeikh]

Don't think Ashes is on the same level. It has history but only as a sporting event. El Clasico goes beyond sport and into politics, culture, ethnic identity, national identity etc. Pakistan v India can be considered on that level.

 

[Saj]

Too many low key matches being billed as El Classico just to hype them up.

The real deal is/was India v Pakistan - nothing matches it in cricket.

 

[Shaka81]

There is nothing in cricket that matches football rivalries like the El Classico or the Old Firm game in Scotland. There's history and pure hatred of the other team. Personally as a Rangers fan, I don't even like the colour green, never use their real name and get an irrational dislike for any player that plays for them.... There's nothing like that in cricket.

Pakistan vs India used to be quite similar but nowadays the players on both sides get on with each other and even the fans like players from the other team...

 

[Markhor]

Yes it's called HBL vs WAPDA. Our incoming PCB heads and new government are determined to revive this great historic fixture.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Not [MENTION=133512]AB_Fan[/MENTION]

He will remember this like everyone remembers Ronaldinho’s hattrick at the Bernabeu

You may remember that. But millions of Indians may not be bothered with Real or Barca. For them cricket is their passion, and a cricket rivalry is what matters to them.

Its amusing how posters who claim that they don't watch IPL, but they want to tell how IPL fans should feel about a rivalry.

The combined population of Maharashtra and Chennai is around 180mn. Sure they know how they should feel about a rivalry.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Too many low key matches being billed as El Classico just to hype them up.

The real deal is/was India v Pakistan - nothing matches it in cricket.

Sir that was in the past. Now its hardly the most heated rivalry. Its a rivalry alright. And due to the lesser number of matches and the significance of the match, as it will be ICC trophy match, people do throng to watch it, but its nothing like how it was two decades back.

In India these days the talk is about test series versus Australia. That dwarves every other cricketing discussion.

 

[cricketjoshila]

There's no El Classico in cricket currently.

It used to be Pakistan vs India but the old intensity is no longer there.

Cricket in general has become very objective. Less gimmicks nowadays.

Thats your opinion. I respect that. But the population of Maharashtra and tamilnadu may like to differ.

 

[Saj]

Sir that was in the past. Now its hardly the most heated rivalry. Its a rivalry alright. And due to the lesser number of matches and the significance of the match, as it will be ICC trophy match, people do throng to watch it, but its nothing like how it was two decades back.

In India these days the talk is about test series versus Australia. That dwarves every other cricketing discussion.

People know that India v Pakistan won't take place, for one reason or another.

But whenever the matches are played, it's always the first match that is sold out, has the biggest tv viewership and is always the most eagerly awaited clash.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

It is termed El Classico for 2 reasons

IPL is cricket's equivalent of top tier league in football

MI vs CSK is the hottest/fiercest contest in that top tier league.

MI vs CSK = Liverpool vs United = RM vs Barca

Don't think people really care what it's called, it's easily the most watched game amongst any other ipl fixture even if the contest might be inconsequential.

Also because MI and CSK have the strongest fan bases among all IPL teams.

These 2 franchises have come close to building an affinity among fans that is only seen in football leagues. Otherwise I think most other franchises have failed to connect with fans on that level.

 

[sweep_shot]

Thats your opinion. I respect that. But the population of Maharashtra and tamilnadu may like to differ.

That's the thing. It is a regional rivalry.

Many countries have it. Pakistan has Lahore vs Karachi. Bangladesh has Abahoni vs Mohammedan. Canada has Toronto vs Montreal.

IPL is simply not old enough for it to have an El Classico.

Only two rivalries can be considered as El Classicos and those are Pakistan vs India and Ashes.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

That's the thing. It is a regional rivalry.

Many countries have it. Pakistan has Lahore vs Karachi. Bangladesh has Abahoni vs Mohammedan. Canada has Toronto vs Montreal.

IPL is simply not old enough for it to have an El Classico.

Only two rivalries can be considered as El Classicos and those are Pakistan vs India and Ashes.

Why is there so much hue and cry over the use of this term though? I mean if the locals want to call it El-Classico let them have it.

Just seems an argument over such a silly thing.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

People are losing their sleep over 'El-Classico' lol. As if it is taking away sheen from the real El Classico.

It probably started off as a marketing gimmick from the broadcasters and has now stuck when these 2 sides meet.

Star Sports used to label Ind vs NZ as a Battle of Fire and Ice (back when Kohli was captain facing Williamson). They simply lifted that of Game of Thrones, that had been very popular in India.

I guess GOT fans should petition Star take it back because Kohli isn't actually a night king and Williamson isn't a dragon or whatever? LOL

 

[topspin]

Lol Mumbai Indians being part of the cricketing "El Classico". Lahore Lions schooled them.

 

[Rana]

You may remember that. But millions of Indians may not be bothered with Real or Barca. For them cricket is their passion, and a cricket rivalry is what matters to them.

Its amusing how posters who claim that they don't watch IPL, but they want to tell how IPL fans should feel about a rivalry.

The combined population of Maharashtra and Chennai is around 180mn. Sure they know how they should feel about a rivalry.

Amber Heard v Jonny Depp is a bigger El Classico than MI v CSK

 

[Babeikh]

Hate to break it to you but nobody is losing any sleep over it. However as a discussion forum where people discuss things people are rightly stating facts that there is no comparison to the actual el clasico, and it is all a bit media manufactured rather than based on historical, cultural, political, community etc values

 

[Rana]

Peak South Africa v Australia was a far greater contest of intensity and emotion.

Proper cricket!

 

[Rana]

Greatest rivals in cricket history India and Australia: El Classico

https://youtu.be/gU8mb7Nj9xU

The rivalry, the competition and the competitiveness between the two sides has always been so intense!

 

[Major]

Why is there so much hue and cry over the use of this term though? I mean if the locals want to call it El-Classico let them have it.

Just seems an argument over such a silly thing.

Because its an insult towards the actual el classico.

 

[U$ofA]

Because its an insult towards the actual el classico.

Then how do you stop people from using the term?

 

[Major]

Then how do you stop people from using the term?

Now if someone is to claim india vs Bangladesh is the ashes, would you quietly accept that? Because it just the fans claiming it

 

[U$ofA]

Now if someone is to claim india vs Bangladesh is the ashes, would you quietly accept that? Because it just the fans claiming it

Actually, I have...rather had no idea about this term. Had to Google it. We do not use that term in our sports. Looks like a European thing.

So it does not bother me what term each person/fan says about a game.

 

[shujaatraza]

Yes it's called HBL vs WAPDA. Our incoming PCB heads and new government are determined to revive this great historic fixture.

Lol best one

 

[Ab Fan]

Sir that was in the past. Now its hardly the most heated rivalry. Its a rivalry alright. And due to the lesser number of matches and the significance of the match, as it will be ICC trophy match, people do throng to watch it, but its nothing like how it was two decades back.

In India these days the talk is about test series versus Australia. That dwarves every other cricketing discussion.

Exactly the point and in Australia also, a lot of cricketers have said that winning test series in India will be pinnacle for them. The likes of Smith, Warner, Lyon, Cummins all have said it, there is a reason why they came up with so much preparation last time around, playing in UAE for a month first and then coming to India. It desperately matters to them, more so after the 2018 and 2020 home test series losses.

Only bitter and delusional folks will think that it doesn't matter, in India people only care about matches vs Pakistan is because people in Pakistan are actually more desperate to hype this match and try to involve themselves by trash talks. That's when Indian respond otherwise no one in India care much about India vs Pakistan games. It is just a cricket match.

Indians have moved on from that rivalry and the focus is more on proving their dominance in cricket across the world and that's why the only game that matters the most to them is vs Australia. There is simply another level of thrill in those games which no other cricket team can match. The India-Pakistan game don't have the same vibe anymore.

 

[Rajdeep]

How does it matter what it is called? Fans who enjoy this clash can call it whatever they want. If you dont like it, dont watch it....simple.

Mumbai and CSK are 2 most successful T20 franchises in the world and their fans love this rivalry. So they call it el-classico of IPL.

They also call CSK and RCB game as South Indian derby, just like Man U - City game is called Manchester Derby or Liverpool vs Everton is called Merseyside derby. The original term derby is derived from a horse race that gets run every year in Epsom. But many other sports adopt that name to mark their rivalry. Not sure what is the issue if IPL fans want to call their premier rivalry as El Classico copying from La Liga.

The funny part is people who are losing their sleep over a name and opening threads about it are calling IPL fans desperate

On top of that usual suspects who are still living in 90s have yet again found a way to include Ind-Pak matches into it which not many Indians in 2022 care TBH

:

 

[Babeikh]

lol yeah let's call Pakistan v New Zealand 'The Ashes' and Pakistan V Bangladesh 'The old firm'

 

[NishanKonar]

Most people watch IPL just for fun and time pass. Very few fans are actually that emotionally invested

India vs Australia test series is more worthy of being called El Clasico

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

You may remember that. But millions of Indians may not be bothered with Real or Barca. For them cricket is their passion, and a cricket rivalry is what matters to them.

Its amusing how posters who claim that they don't watch IPL, but they want to tell how IPL fans should feel about a rivalry.

The combined population of Maharashtra and Chennai is around 180mn. Sure they know how they should feel about a rivalry.

What do you act as spokesperson of all Indians here? And why don't you show this passion in IPL match threads? There is hardly any activity there. You guys are so busy talking about IPL money, broadcast rights, IPL duration that you have actually forgotten to watch that low quality league lol.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It is termed El Classico for 2 reasons

IPL is cricket's equivalent of top tier league in football

MI vs CSK is the hottest/fiercest contest in that top tier league.

MI vs CSK = Liverpool vs United = RM vs Barca

Don't think people really care what it's called, it's easily the most watched game amongst any other ipl fixture even if the contest might be inconsequential.

Also because MI and CSK have the strongest fan bases among all IPL teams.

These 2 franchises have come close to building an affinity among fans that is only seen in football leagues. Otherwise I think most other franchises have failed to connect with fans on that level.

Lolwut? You guys are so delusional. Fans(including Indians) from all across the globe watch the real El Classico. I know some of you are desperately trying to present IPL as some kind of global league but the truth is it is not. Don't even try to compare it with Liverpool vs United or Madrid vs Barca.

The closest or even greater than El Classico in cricket is India vs Pakistan. In Indian football, it is Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

How does it matter what it is called? Fans who enjoy this clash can call it whatever they want. If you dont like it, dont watch it....simple.

Mumbai and CSK are 2 most successful T20 franchises in the world and their fans love this rivalry. So they call it el-classico of IPL.

They also call CSK and RCB game as South Indian derby, just like Man U - City game is called Manchester Derby or Liverpool vs Everton is called Merseyside derby. The original term derby is derived from a horse race that gets run every year in Epsom. But many other sports adopt that name to mark their rivalry. Not sure what is the issue if IPL fans want to call their premier rivalry as El Classico copying from La Liga.

The funny part is people who are losing their sleep over a name and opening threads about it are calling IPL fans desperate

On top of that usual suspects who are still living in 90s have yet again found a way to include Ind-Pak matches into it which not many Indians in 2022 care TBH

:

Yeah that is why they are always sold out.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

What do you act as spokesperson of all Indians here? And why don't you show this passion in IPL match threads? There is hardly any activity there. You guys are so busy talking about IPL money, broadcast rights, IPL duration that you have actually forgotten to watch that low quality league lol.

Why*

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Exactly the point and in Australia also, a lot of cricketers have said that winning test series in India will be pinnacle for them. The likes of Smith, Warner, Lyon, Cummins all have said it, there is a reason why they came up with so much preparation last time around, playing in UAE for a month first and then coming to India. It desperately matters to them, more so after the 2018 and 2020 home test series losses.

Only bitter and delusional folks will think that it doesn't matter, in India people only care about matches vs Pakistan is because people in Pakistan are actually more desperate to hype this match and try to involve themselves by trash talks. That's when Indian respond otherwise no one in India care much about India vs Pakistan games. It is just a cricket match.

Indians have moved on from that rivalry and the focus is more on proving their dominance in cricket across the world and that's why the only game that matters the most to them is vs Australia. There is simply another level of thrill in those games which no other cricket team can match. The India-Pakistan game don't have the same vibe anymore.

Yeah we saw how many people actually cared about India-Pakistan match last time. From news channels to social media it was all over India. Some even ran away from here after India lost that match. You wouldn't expect things like that if it was just another match for those Indian fans.

 

[Babeikh]

Yeah we saw how many people actually cared about India-Pakistan match last time. From news channels to social media it was all over India. Some even ran away from here after India lost that match. You wouldn't expect things like that if it was just another match for those Indian fans.

haha Indians like to pretend they don't care about Pakistan v India any more as it makes them feel superior but everyone knows how much they care - the match sold out in about 30 seconds, broke viewership records in India and they were so upset by the defeat they were sending abuse to Indian players and arresting Kashmiris

 

[Mesozoic]

I don't know why people are losing their marbles. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Superkings are the two most successful T20 teams in the world's biggest T20 league. And have had some memorable fixtures and final tussles over the past one and a half decades.

Their rivalry is the closest to an El Classico that we have in franchise cricket. And lol at the "oh but the whole world doesn't watch this game so I'm hurt when people call it that" gang.


The whole world doesn't watch the PSG vs Marseille games either but it's still called "Le Classique" of French football. And even the basketball League games between RM and FCB are called El Classicos even though they don't have even 1% of the reach their soccer counterparts have.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Franchise cricket hasn't got to the level yet where derbys mean anything.

Anyone that says otherwise has been sold a dummy by marketers.

Maybe it will get there one day, but to do that I think it will need year long seasons with players only playing for that team.

If you miss the alleged IPL el classico, dont worry because the overseas players will probably play each other again in another pyjama league in a month somewhere else.

 

[Rajdeep]

Yeah that is why they are always sold out.

Bcoz its rare...happens only in ICC events. Also, most India matches in world events are sold out...nothing to do with Pakistan. I was in Ind-Afg game in 2019 WC in Southampton and it was housefull too. Heck, even warm up games of India are full and hence they gets televised.

Also, Ind-Pak is not a sports rivalry. It is a political and religious rivalry which gets ugly when you hear comments like we heard from ex Pak cricketers & their ministers after their one and (hopefully) only WC win last year against India.

Many young Indian fans who born after 2000s couldnt care much about such non-sense. They want to see good cricket and get entertained and IPL caters to their needs. The fact that no Pak players plays in IPL but its popularity never declined should tell you the story really.

 

[Rana]

Its ok to call MI v CSK as the 'Gajab Dushmani' or something along those lines

But to call it El Classico is like calling Ishant Sharma an express pace bowler

 

[Rana]

Bcoz its rare...happens only in ICC events. Also, most India matches in world events are slld out...nothing to do with Pakistan. I was in Ind-Afg game in 2019 WC in Southampton and it was housefull too.

Also, Ind-Pak is not a sports rivalry. It is a political and religious rivalry which gets ugly when you hear comments like we heard from ex Pak cricketers & their ministers after their one and (hopefully) only WC win last year against India.

Many young Indian fans who born after 2000s couldnt care much about such non-sense. They want to see good cricket and get entertained and IPL caters to their needs. The fact that no Pak players plays in IPL but its popularity never declined should tell you the story really.

@bhaag_viru_bhaag

These are the fans who claim India would not have been able to chase 335 against Zimbabwe even in the CT Final

 

[Ab Fan]

Yeah we saw how many people actually cared about India-Pakistan match last time. From news channels to social media it was all over India. Some even ran away from here after India lost that match. You wouldn't expect things like that if it was just another match for those Indian fans.

It seems you don't live in India and perhaps leave somewhere else. These things are pretty normal in India, news channels care because they get a chance to increase their TRP and they do it for all matches, even IPL matches too. Heck, if you remember in one of the IPL matches, Devdutt Paddikal was abused by fans in an IPl game for running out one of their main batsman in a tricky game and that was not even a final or knockout game.

Cricket is followed very closely in India and these things are pretty norm over here. Looks like you started living in India in recent times only that you are saying that news channel and social media were all over India's loss. Heck, the social media itself is all over the IPL franchise like CSK or MI when they are performing poorly or even RCB for that matter, let alone when India fails. There was actually bigger hype than that when India got all out at 36 in Adelaide test( the opposition was Australia) and that's why the ultimate cricket game in India for Indian fans is against Australia and because we have the wood over them in last 6 years, we are comfortably the greatest test team of this generation. Australia are second best and hence this is the cricket game we should closely refer to as EL Classico, not any other game. In T20s, MI vs CSK is EL Classico though.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

@bhaag_viru_bhaag

These are the fans who claim India would not have been able to chase 335 against Zimbabwe even in the CT Final

I will appreciate it if they show the same passion, enthusiasm and interest in IPL match threads here than they show in defending IPL all over internet. These fans who are the first ones to switch on their TV sets whenever India plays against Pakistan so take whatever they say with a "bori" of salt.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It seems you don't live in India and perhaps leave somewhere else. These things are pretty normal in India, news channels care because they get a chance to increase their TRP and they do it for all matches, even IPL matches too. Heck, if you remember in one of the IPL matches, Devdutt Paddikal was abused by fans in an IPl game for running out one of their main batsman in a tricky game and that was not even a final or knockout game.

Cricket is followed very closely in India and these things are pretty norm over here. Looks like you started living in India in recent times only that you are saying that news channel and social media were all over India's loss. Heck, the social media itself is all over the IPL franchise like CSK or MI when they are performing poorly or even RCB for that matter, let alone when India fails. There was actually bigger hype than that when India got all out at 36 in Adelaide test( the opposition was Australia) and that's why the ultimate cricket game in India for Indian fans is against Australia and because we have the wood over them in last 6 years, we are comfortably the greatest test team of this generation. Australia are second best and hence this is the cricket game we should closely refer to as EL Classico, not any other game. In T20s, MI vs CSK is EL Classico though.

Don't worry about my location. For more info, contact mods.

News channels care because they get a chance to increase their TRP? Lol do you even think before writing these days? How will they increase their TRP if nobody cares about Indo-Pak matches in India? This is what we call an own goal.

 

[Titan24]

Pak vs Ind definitely with the kind of history, rivalry and number of eyeballs involved. With Ashes its generally more to do with history then it being extremely competitive for sometime (Unless when its in Eng where competition is generally good).

In leagues its more like an El Classico being used as a reference to a contest between teams/cities with history or performances in competition then it being a contest in an actual El Classico's mold. Derby, El Classico has become a standard contest to have in every league so every league tries to market one of their's contest as one.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pak vs Ind definitely with the kind of history, rivalry and number of eyeballs involved. With Ashes its generally more to do with history then it being extremely competitive for sometime (Unless when its in Eng where competition is generally good).

In leagues its more like an El Classico being used as a reference to a contest between teams/cities with history or performances in competition then it being a contest in an actual El Classico's mold.

In cricket leagues, there is no El Classico. Same players playing for multiple franchises makes it look more like a joke than El Classico lol. There is no history, no loyalty, no real fan following in these leagues.

 

[Rajdeep]

I will appreciate it if they show the same passion, enthusiasm and interest in IPL match threads here than they show in defending IPL all over internet. These fans who are the first ones to switch on their TV sets whenever India plays against Pakistan so take whatever they say with a "bori" of salt.

IPLs enthusiasim should not get judged by how many posts being posted in match thread on this forum. It is well evident that majority here dont like IPL and understandably so bcoz their home players are banned. Pls go to Indian forum and you will see the craze

As I said many times, no amount of whinning can stop the popularity of IPL which is pipe dream of some here.

Who said we dont watch Ind vs Pak? When, once in a blue moon it happens ofcourse we will watch. What is their to hide? You know what should be taken with 'bori' of salt? It is when you guy lie that you dont watch IPL. Somehow you guys dont watch IPL but know every minute things like how Pandya abusing Shami, how Mumbai-CSK game is called el classico etc.

Stop pretending guys...LOL. No shame in watching the daddy league.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

This explanation is incomplete and not worthy of a response. Please complete it as I wrote a lot more things and then we can proceed.

Expected reply from someone who just scored an own goal.

 

[silentkiller187]

IPLs enthusiasim should not get judged by how many posts being posted in match thread on this forum. It is well evident that majority here dont like IPL and understandably so bcoz their home players are banned. Pls go to Indian forum and you will see the craze

As I said many times, no amount of whinning can stop the popularity of IPL which is pipe dream of some here.

Who said we dont watch Ind vs Pak? When, once in a blue moon it happens ofcourse we will watch. What is their to hide? You know what should be taken with 'bori' of salt? It is when you guy lie that you dont watch IPL. Somehow you guys dont watch IPL but know every minute things like how Pandya abusing Shami, how Mumbai-CSK game is called el classico etc.

Stop pretending guys...LOL. No shame in watching the daddy league.

IPL is the top league at the moment and no shame in saying i watch it , however it needs its own identity, Indians need to stop with these cringe comparisons, do you guys know the history and meaning behind what makes el classico or a genuine derby, with franchise it is pretty much impossible players have no loyalty as they would for say a club game.

As some have mentioned above Pakistan vs india is more than sports, its political, its historical that is what you call a proper derby because its more than just a game.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

IPLs enthusiasim should not get judged by how many posts being posted in match thread on this forum. It is well evident that majority here dont like IPL and understandably so bcoz their home players are banned. Pls go to Indian forum and you will see the craze

As I said many times, no amount of whinning can stop the popularity of IPL which is pipe dream of some here.

Who said we dont watch Ind vs Pak? When, once in a blue moon it happens ofcourse we will watch. What is their to hide? You know what should be taken with 'bori' of salt? It is when you guy lie that you dont watch IPL. Somehow you guys dont watch IPL but know every minute things like how Pandya abusing Shami, how Mumbai-CSK game is called el classico etc.

Stop pretending guys...LOL. No shame in watching the daddy league.

I am clearly talking about Indian fans here. What is stopping you guys from discussing and enjoying IPL here? You guys are pretty active during India-Pakistan or even India-Bangladesh matches here but I don't see the same enthusiam during IPL matches? Why?

I don't have to watch IPL to read news regarding your favorite player abusing Shami lol. There was a discussion going on in Pollard retirement thread where [MENTION=139595]Ab Fan[/MENTION] informed us about El Classico and [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] created this thread.

 

[shaz619]

Birmingham Phoenix vs The Trent Rockets

 

[Rajdeep]

I am clearly talking about Indian fans here. What is stopping you guys from discussing and enjoying IPL here? You guys are pretty active during India-Pakistan or even India-Bangladesh matches here but I don't see the same enthusiam during IPL matches? Why?

I don't have to watch IPL to read news regarding your favorite player abusing Shami lol. There was a discussion going on in Pollard retirement thread where [MENTION=139595]Ab Fan[/MENTION] informed us about El Classico and [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] created this thread.

But what is the obligation to discuss here? When the same group of people discuss it in some other forum.

So your only logic is bcoz IPL thread here gets less posts...it is not a popular tournament and no one watches it? You are even out doing yourself )

And the reason India - Pakistan thread is more active here...maybe bcoz its a Pakistani forum

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I am clearly talking about Indian fans here. What is stopping you guys from discussing and enjoying IPL here? You guys are pretty active during India-Pakistan or even India-Bangladesh matches here but I don't see the same enthusiam during IPL matches? Why?

I don't have to watch IPL to read news regarding your favorite player abusing Shami lol. There was a discussion going on in Pollard retirement thread where [MENTION=139595]Ab Fan[/MENTION] informed us about El Classico and [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] created this thread.

Because when IPL is happening we are very busy watching the game of such high intensity and just try to watch the action live and stay away from devices and internet in general. May be sometimes go to Indian forums because it is INDIAN Premier League.

 

[Rana]

I am clearly talking about Indian fans here. What is stopping you guys from discussing and enjoying IPL here? You guys are pretty active during India-Pakistan or even India-Bangladesh matches here but I don't see the same enthusiam during IPL matches? Why?

I don't have to watch IPL to read news regarding your favorite player abusing Shami lol. There was a discussion going on in Pollard retirement thread where [MENTION=139595]Ab Fan[/MENTION] informed us about El Classico and [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] created this thread.

Not only that
[MENTION=133512]AB_Fan[/MENTION] confirmed his belief that MI v CSK is an el Classico if you watch cricket very closely. It’s the third post in the thread I believe

Also, India v Australia has the El Clasico feeling for the past decade as well apparently

 

[Ab Fan]

Not only that

[MENTION=133512]AB_Fan[/MENTION] confirmed his belief that MI v CSK is an el Classico if you watch cricket very closely. It’s the third post in the thread I believe

Also, India v Australia has the El Clasico feeling for the past decade as well apparently

I said T20 cricket, not cricket.

Good demonstration of serious comprehension issues there

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

But what is the obligation to discuss here? When the same group of people discuss it in some other forum.

So your only logic is bcoz IPL thread here gets less posts...it is not a popular tournament and no one watches it? You are even out doing yourself )

And the reason India - Pakistan thread is more active here...maybe bcoz its a Pakistani forum

May be you should learn to read properly first. I even mentioned India vs Bangladesh matches getting more interest here than IPL matches lol. It is pretty funny to see that Indians who keep defending IPL and boast about its broadcast rights go to some other places to post match related posts. Once again what is stopping you guys from posting here and why should I go to another forum when I am specifically talking about the members of this website?

 

[Rajdeep]

IPL is the top league at the moment and no shame in saying i watch it , however it needs its own identity, Indians need to stop with these cringe comparisons, do you guys know the history and meaning behind what makes el classico or a genuine derby, with franchise it is pretty much impossible players have no loyalty as they would for say a club game.

As some have mentioned above Pakistan vs india is more than sports, its political, its historical that is what you call a proper derby because its more than just a game.

Dont worry about that, IPL is the only cricket tournament which has its own identity in sporting world. I live in UK and is well aware of its identity. Cricket is considered a joke of a sport around the world and only with the advent of T20 leagues you see regular pub goers showing some interest. The hundred tournament here in UK and its popularity is a prime example. Cricket is a niche sport and T20 leagues are its golden goose which is being pioneered by IPL. The problem with old school cricket fans is that they are not able to come to the terms with it.

As far as loyality to a club is concerned, it is not possible ala football style bcoz football leagues runs throughout the year. Footballers/fans dont give a two hoot about international sport. The logic being you want to watch the best players play and not forcing players to play together due to their place of birth. Cricket is a different sport which is more international oriented with only 1.5 month window given to IPL. Kaha se loyality aayega?

The only thing cricket fans need to do is stop whinning and accept the sport has changed.

#FACT

 

[Rana]

I said T20 cricket, not cricket.

Good demonstration of serious comprehension issues there

Did you not say India v Australia is the el Classico of cricket? Or did I fail to understand that correctly too?