Boys play cricket on the banks of the Yamuna river near Taj Mahal. Cricket is India's national sport and for many, an obsession. It's also become a multi-billion dollar industry. Click through these images to learn more.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Boys play cricket on the banks of the Yamuna river near Taj Mahal. Cricket is India's national sport and for many, an obsession. It's also become a multi-billion dollar industry. Click through these images to learn more.
Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
Indian national team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a cricketing superstar. According to Forbes, he is the highest-paid player in the world, earning $31.5 million in pay and endorsements in 2013.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Indian national team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a cricketing superstar. According to Forbes, he is the highest-paid player in the world, earning $31.5 million in pay and endorsements in 2013.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
When India's batsman Sachin Tendulkar took to the pitch on November 14, for his <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2013%2F11%2F14%2Fsport%2Findias-sachin-tendulkar-enters-cricket-pantheon%2F">200th and final Test match</a>, millions of his fans watched the cricketing legend bid his farewell. One of them made this sand sculpture in his honor.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
When India's batsman Sachin Tendulkar took to the pitch on November 14, for his 200th and final Test match, millions of his fans watched the cricketing legend bid his farewell. One of them made this sand sculpture in his honor.
STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images
Tendulkar received the "Bharat Ratna" award, India's highest civilian honor. He is pictured here during the ceremony with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on February 4, 2014.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Tendulkar received the "Bharat Ratna" award, India's highest civilian honor. He is pictured here during the ceremony with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on February 4, 2014.
PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images
Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, a fan of Tendulkar, is picturing riding a tram following a cricket match in Kolkata on November 8, 2013. Chowdhury attended more than 300 international matches and is widely recognized for showing up at every home match the Indian team plays, with his entire body painted in the national colors of India.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, a fan of Tendulkar, is picturing riding a tram following a cricket match in Kolkata on November 8, 2013. Chowdhury attended more than 300 international matches and is widely recognized for showing up at every home match the Indian team plays, with his entire body painted in the national colors of India.
DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Image
Tibetan Spiritual Leader The Dalai Lama is also a fan. Here, he greets cricketers ahead of a IPL match between Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab in Dharamsala on May 21, 2011.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Tibetan Spiritual Leader The Dalai Lama is also a fan. Here, he greets cricketers ahead of a IPL match between Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab in Dharamsala on May 21, 2011.
RAVEENDRAN/AFP/Getty Images
Some aspects of the Indian cricket league remain traditional. Here, Pune Warriors cheerleaders dance before the start of a match between the Warriors and Chennai Super Kings.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Some aspects of the Indian cricket league remain traditional. Here, Pune Warriors cheerleaders dance before the start of a match between the Warriors and Chennai Super Kings.
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Image
Other supporters adopt an American look, like these cheerleaders at a match between Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Other supporters adopt an American look, like these cheerleaders at a match between Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab.
NOAH SEELAM/AFP/GettyImages
Yuvraj Singh, of the Indian national team, poses with ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy. Singh is one of the sport's highest paid players. The Royal Challengers Bangalore made a successful bid for him at $2.33 million during the IPL players auction.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Yuvraj Singh, of the Indian national team, poses with ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy. Singh is one of the sport's highest paid players. The Royal Challengers Bangalore made a successful bid for him at $2.33 million during the IPL players auction.
Ritam Banerjee/Getty Images
India's cricket team are the world champions, after beating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the 2011 final of the Cricket World Cup in 2011. The win spread euphoria across the nation.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
India's cricket team are the world champions, after beating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the 2011 final of the Cricket World Cup in 2011. The win spread euphoria across the nation.
INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Image
Cricket is most popular sport in India, widely played in schools, local parks and even streets. Here, local children play cricket in India Gate Park in Delhi.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Cricket is most popular sport in India, widely played in schools, local parks and even streets. Here, local children play cricket in India Gate Park in Delhi.
Gareth Copley/Getty Image
Kevin Pietersen of England was one of the hot properties on this years IPL players auction. The recently sacked England national player was signed by the Delhi Daredevils for $1.5 million.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Kevin Pietersen of England was one of the hot properties on this years IPL players auction. The recently sacked England national player was signed by the Delhi Daredevils for $1.5 million.
Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
One of his teammates will be Dinesh Karthik, whom the team bought for $2.1 million.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
One of his teammates will be Dinesh Karthik, whom the team bought for $2.1 million.
Gareth Copley/Getty Images
The IPL is under pressure over corruption charges. Pictured here are activists demanding the banning of the league.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
The IPL is under pressure over corruption charges. Pictured here are activists demanding the banning of the league.
RAVEENDRAN/AFP/Getty Images
Kolkata Knight Riders players and officials ride on a truck with the IPL tournament trophy during a victory procession to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 29, 2012.
Cricket: India's other "religion" —
Kolkata Knight Riders players and officials ride on a truck with the IPL tournament trophy during a victory procession to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 29, 2012.
STRDEL/AFP/GettyImages