CBSE Class 9 Answered

The organisation of cricket in England reflected the nature of the English society. This can be ascertained from the following facts:

1. The rich played the game for pleasure and were called amateurs. The poor who played the game for a living were called professionals. The rich were known as amateurs because they played the game for leisure and not money. This was more of a feature of aristocratic families.

2. The amateurs were considered as superior. Thus social indiscrimination was also prevalent in the game of cricket. While amateurs were known as Gentleman, the professionals were known simply as Players.

3. While amateurs were mostly batsmen, hardworking aspects of game like fast bowling was mainly the work of the Players.

4. Rules of the game were slightly twisted in favour of the amateurs as benefit of doubts was always given to the batsmen. Initially, the batsmen were appointed as the captain of the team.