The collision of two of your likes, loves, or hobbies can quickly get you excited. After all, things are always better together. Some matches are made in heaven: butter and popcorn, ice cream and chocolate sauce, or your favorite sport and the big screen.
If you’re a fan of cricket, then you’ll be happy to know that there is no shortage of fantastic cricket movies to enjoy in 2023. While some have been around for a few years already, they are as good as the ones being released this year hope to be.
So, if you’re a cricket fan and like relaxing while watching a sports movie, read on to discover the best cricket movies that you need to add to your watchlist.
Wondrous Oblivion
Focusing on the theme of fitting in, Wondrous Oblivion follows the life of 11-year-old David Wiseman (Sam Smith), a Jewish immigrant who moved to London in the 1960s. David had an entire team’s passion for the sport but the skill of a stationary cricket ball.
Lacking any attention from his father, David’s life changed when a new Jamaican immigrant called Dennis Samuels (Delroy Lindo) moved in next door. After constructing a batting cage in the backyard, Dennis sees David’s interest in learning to play and notices his utter lack of technique.
Deciding to take him under his wing to teach him, Dennis begins to mentor David. At the same time, a relationship is struck between David and Dennis’ daughter, Judy (Leonie Elliott). A questionable relationship also begins between Dennis and David’s mother, Ruth (Emily Woof).
Focusing on more than just the sport of cricket, Wondrous Oblivion also touches on racism, community, relationships, and the trials of being an immigrant. Released in 2003, the movie is still incredibly relevant today and is a must-watch for any cricket fan.
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
With drama, love, and a wager that a village relies on, Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (more commonly known only as Lagaan) has it all. The movie followed the inhabitants of the Indian village Champaner in 1893 when the country was still under British rule.
Stricken by drought, the locals of the village try and find a way to get leniency on their taxes (known locally as “lagaan”). After mocking a British group enjoying a game of cricket, young farmer Bhuvan (Aamir Khan) is challenged to a match by Captain Andrew Russell (Paul Blackthorne).
The wager for the game is that, should the village folk win, they will be exempt from paying taxes for three years. Bhuvan agrees to the bet despite knowing nothing about the game and is soon helped along with other villagers to learn and understand the game by Russell’s sister, Elizabeth (Rachel Shelley).
Released in 2001, Lagaan was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Foreign Language Film. It explores the unrequited love between Elizabeth and Bhuvan and the issues of over-taxation that used to plague British India. However, the best part of the story is the wonder and skill at cricket that the local villagers discover as they play.
Hansie: A True Story
Hansie follows the meteoric rise of Hansie Cronje (Frank Rautenbach). This South African cricketer helped the country achieve some of its most significant victories against rivals like India, England, and Australia. However, when speculation arises about the cricket star working alongside bookmakers, everything falls apart.
Publicly admitting his wrongdoing didn’t result in the forgiveness and continued love Hansie may have expected. Instead, he was shunned by the international community, disregarded by his local fans and fellow sportsman, and saw the end of his career arrive almost immediately.
However, a long path of repentance and soul searching sees him forgive himself and claw his way back from depression and thoughts of giving up. This return is aided by his loving wife, Bertha (Sarah Thompson), and mentor, Peter Pollock (David Sherwood).
The drama of this tremendous cricketing film released in 2008 will have you on the edge of your seat as you try and follow the suspenseful dealings with bookmakers and the heartbreaking story of Hansie. Ultimately, the movie is a fantastic tribute to how even the greatest cricketers can make mistakes and still return and receive forgiveness.
Fire in Babylon
Knowing that other teams are claiming that your team will never make it to where they are is all the motivation that some need to take things to another level. Fire in Babylon is precisely the story played out by one of the most popular international teams and a fan favorite on cricket-betting.com.
Starting out losing against everyone, the West Indies team feels judged due to their race after comments made by English cricketers. As a result, they decide to implement new strategies and show the world, particularly England, what they are made of.
Turning things around remarkably, the team wins match after match and becomes a force to be reckoned with. In fact, they become the team to beat for more than a decade, from the early 1980s until 1995.
This documentary movie from 2010 shows actual footage of numerous players from the West Indian and other international cricket teams as it follows the team’s incredible rise to greatness. This movie will inspire anyone rooting for an underdog and shows that even the lowest on the ranking list can come out on top.
Cricket
This upcoming Bollywood blockbuster is set for release in November 2023, and little is known about it so far. However, the production studio has announced that the movie will follow the rise of a cricketing star as he reaches the peak of his career, which then takes a nosedive that leads to his downfall.
Hopefully, the movie will aspire to the greatness of those listed above to become one of the best cricketing movies, not just of 2023 but of all time.
