Cricket
8 documentaries every cricket fan should watch
Watch these documentaries if you love cricket or if you want to understand some of the greatest and most infamous moments of the game.
Whether you’ve been following the game for several decades or haven’t watched a single match till date, the stories in the cricket world are sure to interest you.
Ranging from the inspiring story of the 2010 Afghanistan national team to the infamous occurrences in the 1932-33 Ashes, these documentaries are a great watch for the die-hard fan and the cricket apprentice alike.
1. Fire in Babylon (2010)
A documentary which details the rise of the West Indies cricket team that dominated the sport in for over 15 years through a fierce fast bowling attack that intimidated international batsmen over several series and helped them win back-to-back world cup titles in the 1970s.
2. Death of a Gentleman (2015)
Two journalists delve deep into the governance of the sport and uncover allegations that bigwigs of the Big Three – Cricket Australia (CA), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – have manipulated governance of the sport for their own financial gain at the cost of other nations that play the sport.
3. Out of the Ashes (2010)
This film follows a group of young men, growing up in war-torn Afghanistan that are training to represent their country and hold a passion to qualify for participation in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
4. Roar of The Lion (2019)
Told through the thoughts and experiences of beloved Indian cricketer MS Dhoni, this documentary series explores the return of Chennai Super Kings in 2018 after two years of being banned for allegations related to spot fixing in 2013.
5. Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)
This film documents the life and career of one of India’s greatest cricketers of all time, Sachin Tendulkar, from his childhood to the early part of his career, to his first world cup victory and his eventual evolution into becoming the ‘God of Cricket’.
6. Cricket Fever: Mumbai Indians (2019)
A docu series that follows the Mumbai Indians franchise over the course of the 2018 season as they attempt to retain their title of defending champions against the backdrop of rebuilding their side with the departure and acquisition of several players.
7. Bodyline: It’s Just Not Cricket (2002)
A documentary about the 1932–33 Ashes series in which the English fast bowlers employed the bodyline tactic of bowling short balls at the bodies of Australian batsmen, especially to neutralize the talent of Don Bradman. The docu explores how the tactic led to bad blood between the two nations and made the Ashes one of the most highly contested series in the history of the game.
8. Inside Story: A Season with Rajasthan Royals (2020)
20 min
Managing a cricket team
See into the workings of the Rajasthan Royals management team, striving always for victory on the field.
This three-part docu series gives fans an all-access pass into the dressing room, training sessions, boardroom and team meetings of Rajasthan Royals during the 2019 season. Follow the trails and celebrations of the team with Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Shane Warne, and many others who lend their voice to this docu series.
Other documentaries and series:
BBC’s Not Cricket is a documentary series that features individual episodes on the biggest scandals of the cricket world.
ESPNcricinfo’s Legends of Cricket is a docu series that details the careers of some of the greatest cricketers of all time.
