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Brett Lee: Cricket in India is Bigger Than Football in Brazil; Says India Should Run the Sport

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 1 month ago | Oct 25, 2025 03:16 pm IST
Brett Lee: Cricket in India is Bigger Than Football in Brazil; Says India Should Run the Sport

Yeah, you read that right. Former Australian speedster Brett Lee just dropped a massive statement that’s got everyone talking. He claims the passion for cricket in India is so immense, it completely overshadows the love for football in Brazil. And he didn’t stop there. He flat-out said India runs cricket, and they absolutely should.

Key Takeaways

  • Brett Lee states cricket in India is a much bigger phenomenon than football is in Brazil.
  • He says India’s massive fan base gives them the right to run the sport globally.
  • Lee sees this not as a criticism but as an admiration for the country’s unmatched passion.
  • He notes that out of 1.5 billion people in India, he has barely met anyone who dislikes cricket.

So, What’s This Brazil Comparison About?

Look, when you think of football, you think of Brazil, right? It’s the gold standard for passion. But Brett Lee argues that what he’s seen in India is on a whole other level. During a chat with The Grade Cricketer, arranged by Fox Cricket, Lee was blunt. He believes the sheer scale of the Indian fan base puts it in a league of its own.

He put it this way: he’s met maybe 10 people out of India’s 1.5 billion population who don’t like cricket. Just ten. That’s an insane ratio. It’s this all-consuming devotion that makes India the “gravitational center of cricket.” When the Indian team plays or the IPL is on, the country practically stops. It’s more than a sport; it’s a religion.

‘They Run Cricket and So They Should’

Now, let’s get to the part that might ruffle some feathers. When Lee says India “runs cricket,” he’s not saying it in a negative way. In fact, it’s the opposite. He’s full of admiration. He’s saying that a country with that much passion, that much viewership, and that much commercial power has earned its place at the head of the table.

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This isn’t just about money. It’s about culture. The success of the fast-paced T20 format, for instance, is directly linked to what Indian fans want. They crave entertainment and action, and that appetite has shaped how cricket is played and scheduled all over the world. India’s influence isn’t just commercial, it’s deeply cultural, and Lee thinks that’s exactly how it should be.

Expert Analysis: Lee’s Unfiltered Take

What you’re hearing from Brett Lee is the unfiltered view of someone who has seen global cricket from the inside. He’s not just a former player; he’s a commentator who understands the dynamics of the modern game. His perspective is that India’s power isn’t something to be feared but respected. It’s the natural result of unparalleled fan support.

The rise of the IPL and India’s dominance in viewership numbers back up his claim. This isn’t just an opinion; it’s a reality of the global sports landscape. India’s audience drives the sport, and according to Lee, they’ve earned the driver’s seat.

So, what do you think? Is Lee right? Is the cricket craze in India truly bigger than football fever in Brazil? Let us know your thoughts.