Press Release
The popularity of fantasy cricket: from England to India
MUMBAI: Whenever you get caught up in the conversation with an Indian, it somehow gets to the topic of the most popular sports in India and you are most likely to not know the right answer. As surprising as it may seem, Indians are crazy about cricket and play it as their national sport. However, once you get to know the history of the mighty South Asian subcontinent it will not seem that surprising anymore. In this article we will explain the roots of the cricket in India and why does it have to do with the British.
First things first, what kind of a game is cricket. This is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players. These two teams take it in turns to bat and bowl. In the end, it is all about scoring more than the opposition. And now we are going to find out more about fantasy cricket (the virtual version of this game) in different countries.
From the British Islands to Hindustan: How Did It Come So Far?
The game itself is traced back to as early as the 16th century. By the 18th century, the game has already been shaped in terms of England’s national sport and was played by different clubs. In 1721, this game was recorded to be played in India for the first time owing to the efforts of British sailors of the East India Company. The first official club, though, dates back to 1792. It was called Calcutta Cricket Club with membership restricted to Europeans only.
The rise of the British Empire in the 18th century was key for the establishment of cricket as an international sport. However, such a prominent success of the sport in India was unexpected even for the British. The very first Indian team was vividly discussed in the British press. There are still sarcastic sayings that cricket is “an Indian game accidentally invented by the English”. Even if it is so, the most important thing here is that Indians absolutely enjoy playing it and belong to one of the best teams in the world.
Enough with the history. Let us look at some of the most interesting facts about this kind of sports and learn more about its developments nowadays:
● This game is played all day, from morning to evening, with breaks for lunch and tea. The real cricket is played for 5 days straight. So if someone claims to be “watching cricket,” you can be sure that they have no time left for work and family;
● A person who is not familiar with the game can watch it all day long but still have a poor understanding of both the tactics and the rules;
● Canada is the only country in the British Commonwealth where cricket has not been such a prominent success. The only European country that has a national team (though a very weak one) is the Netherlands;
● Unlike football and rugby, the United Kingdom is represented at the world cricket arena by one team called England;
● The Ashes is the most prestigious test match series in cricket. This is the name given to the biannual meetings between England and Australia. As the main prize the winning team is awarded not a cup, but a small urn, symbolizing the long defeat of England, whose ashes have since rested there (on the usurper).
All in all, cricket is the most popular national sport in the Republic of India as well as many other Commonwealth nations. It came to be so due to the expansion of the British Empire back in the 18th century. Nowadays, however, it is the Indians and other countries which make this sport incredibly interesting to watch and cheer for.
Bali is full of memorable moments, and some of them involve animals. Temple monkeys tug at bags, beach dogs nap near sunbeds, and cats wander into cafés like they own the place. Most interactions are harmless, but a bite or scratch can change the day quickly, because you may need immediate medical care and follow-up treatment. This is where Bali travel insurance becomes more than a box to tick.
In this article, you will explore whether animal bite treatment is insured, the exclusions, and the steps to claim easily in Bali.
Why Animal Bites in Bali Need Special Attention
Bites are not only about the visible wound. Insurers and doctors both treat them as medical events that can pose an infection risk, especially when the bite breaks the skin.
A scratch that looks small in the moment can still lead to:
● A doctor’s examination and wound cleaning
● Medicines and dressings
● Follow-up consultations if the doctor advises observation or further care
From an insurance perspective, this matters because claims are usually assessed on medical necessity and documentation, not on how dramatic the injury appears in a photo.
How International Travel Insurance Looks at an Animal Bite
Most travel policies are built around emergency medical expenses for unexpected illness or accidental injury abroad. A bite or scratch usually fits the accidental injury bucket, but coverage is rarely blanket.
In many plans, the following may be considered if a doctor prescribes them and bills and medical notes support them:
● Consultation and outpatient treatment
● Emergency care and procedures, such as wound dressing or stitches, if clinically required
● Prescribed medicines and investigations
● Hospitalisation if the treating doctor confirms it is needed
Common Reasons Claims Get Reduced or Rejected
This is the part travellers often miss. Insurers usually do not deny claims because an animal was involved. Claims become difficult when the event looks avoidable, the reporting is delayed, or the paperwork is weak.
Avoidable-Risk Situations Insurers Scrutinise
Policies commonly exclude or limit claims linked to unsafe conduct or preventable exposure. For animal bites, scrutiny may increase if the incident appears connected to:
● Provoking, feeding, or trying to handle wild animals
● Ignoring warning signs at tourist spots
● Being intoxicated at the time of the incident
● Activities that a policy lists as excluded or restricted
The takeaway is simple: if your own description sounds like a risky choice rather than a sudden accident, the insurer may challenge it.
Delays, Missing Papers, and Policy Conditions
Even when your incident is genuinely accidental, claims can still stall due to basics such as:
● Not informing the insurer or assistance partner within the required time
● Missing itemised bills, prescriptions, or clinical notes
● No proof of travel dates or passport entry details when requested
● Submitting only pharmacy slips without a doctor’s consultation record
International travel insurance is paperwork-driven. If you document it well, you reduce the chance of avoidable back-and-forth.
What to Do If You Are Bitten or Scratched in Bali
Your health comes first, always. But a few sensible steps can protect your recovery and keep your insurance file clean.
Medical Steps That Help You and Your Claim
Act fast, stay calm, and get proper care before worrying about bills.
● Clean the wound promptly and seek medical care, even if it seems minor
● Follow the doctor’s advice, including follow-ups if recommended
● Avoid self-medicating in place of a clinical assessment, because insurers often ask for a doctor’s report
Claim Notes and Documents to Collect
Keep these handy; they’ll save time and avoid follow-up questions later.
● Doctor’s notes that mention the nature of injury, treatment given, and advised next steps
● Prescriptions and pharmacy invoices
● Itemised hospital or clinic bills
● A brief written note of where and when it happened, while it is still fresh in your mind
Final Word
Animal bites in Bali are not rare, and they are not always dramatic, which is exactly why travellers underestimate them. Many travel policies can cover bite-related medical treatment when it is accidental and medically necessary, but the outcome depends on your policy terms and the quality of your documentation. If you buy cover thoughtfully, keep the assistance number handy, and respond sensibly if an incident happens, you give yourself the best chance of both good medical care and a smoother claim experience.
