Historical records reveal that gentlemen games are first played in India on the west coast of the country, in the port city of Cambay, at the beginning of the 18th century.
Cambay, now khambhat, is the closest port to the capital city of Gujarat in Ahmedabad.
Historians agreed that Lieutenant Clement Downing’s experience playing cricket in Cambay was the first account of cricket in Indian land.
The LT Downing book, published in 1737 – ‘first history of Indian War’ – has a reference to the man’s game played by seafarers and watched the coolie.
The Fleet of East Indian companies plays the game first during a stopover in Cambay, right outside the city port.
LT Downing led this fleet which has company officials, sailors and several soldiers.
“We lay here near two weeks before our captain returned and all while still looking out; and tho ‘all round countries are inhabited by Culeys, we dive themselves every day to play cricket, and other exercises, which they will go to and become audiences .
“LT Downing also confirmed his experience in connection with their interactions with locals in the port city, when they went to buy a pair of Jullocks.
“Once they felt we would come one of the heads of the city out with horseback riding and demanded our business ….
we told him that we came in friendship …
he said if we behave casually we must have what we have desired and must Welcome to come to town, “Written.