Hard for journalists today to probe serious issues in cricket – Pradeep Magazine interview

Hard for journalists today to probe serious issues in cricket – Pradeep Magazine interviewHard for journalists today to probe serious issues in cricket – Pradeep Magazine interview

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We talk to the veteran journalist and author – Pradeep Magazine. We discuss the major themes of his books – Not Quite Cricket and Not Just Cricket – and talk about the lessons from the match-fixing epidemic in the late 1990s and how the player-journalist relationship has altered over time.


Judging greatness across eras: measures, challenges, and fallacies

Judging greatness across eras: measures, challenges, and fallaciesJudging greatness across eras: measures, challenges, and fallacies

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In the latest episode of the podcast, we discuss the idea of greatness in cricket. What do we mean when we say a player is ‘great’, how does one compare across eras, and what are the pitfalls we fall into when discussing greatness. Talking Points: Greatness as a measurement of


‘It struck me that you can score 574, declare twice, and still lose a Test’ – Allan Border‘It struck me that you can score 574, declare twice, and still lose a Test’ – Allan Border

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We talk to legendary Australian captain and batsman Allan Border about his experience of touring the subcontinent in the 1980s –  taking in the tied Test in 1986, the World Cup win in 1987, and the controversial tour of Pakistan in 1988. Joining Border is veteran journalist Mike Coward, whose


Radio commentary lets you dream about the game – ‘Reds’ PerreiraRadio commentary lets you dream about the game – ‘Reds’ Perreira

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In the latest episode of the podcast we chat with one of the most prolific radio broadcasters: Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira. In a career spanning over 50 years, Reds has commentated on 152 Tests and close to 500 other matches – including ODIs, first-class, and List A games. Note: Readers in


The promise of 83… and the eventual disappointment

The promise of 83… and the eventual disappointmentThe promise of 83… and the eventual disappointment

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In the latest episode of the podcast, we discuss the recent Bollywood movie 83 – which retells the story of India’s miraculous victory in the 1983 World Cup. Note: Readers in India can now buy Mike Marqusee’s classic cricket book War Minus The Shooting on Flipkart and Amazon. Readers outside


‘A match that you watch from the stadium is a sacred thing’: an interview with the historian Mukul Kesavan

‘A match that you watch from the stadium is a sacred thing’: an interview with the historian Mukul Kesavan‘A match that you watch from the stadium is a sacred thing’: an interview with the historian Mukul Kesavan

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In this episode, we chat with author, essayist, and perceptive cricket columnist Mukul Kesavan. Besotted with cricket for over five decades – and viewing it through the lens of politics, sociology, and history – Mukul talks about his magnetic attraction to the game and its many pleasures. Talking Points: An Anglophone


The magic of 1971: reliving India’s historic triumphsThe magic of 1971: reliving India’s historic triumphs

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 In the latest episode we chat about India’s historic triumphs against West Indies and England 50 years ago. Cricket writer and author Nishad Pai Vaidya and veteran sports journalist Clayton Murzello join us to relive the heady moments through a series of anecdotes. (PSA: We will be donating all


When a tie was a victory for Border’s battlers

When a tie was a victory for Border’s battlersWhen a tie was a victory for Border’s battlers

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  In this special episode of the 81allout podcast, we chat with Michael Sexton on his latest book Border’s Battlers, which provides a fascinating account of the iconic tied Test between India and Australia at Chepauk in September 1986. Michael has been a journalist, producer, and sportswriter for over three


‘I wanted my own language to have some of the game’s glory’‘I wanted my own language to have some of the game’s glory’

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Our special guest this week is Prof Surya Prakash Chaturvedi, a veteran cricket writer from Indore. Prof Chaturvedi, a retired professor of English, chose to write about his passion in Hindi and went on to author 15 books on the game. The 83-year-old Chaturvedi has had a chance to witness