This article describes the history of cricket in British India from the 1918–19 season until the end of the Second World War in 1945.
The Ranji Trophy was launched as India's national championship following a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in July 1934 and the competition began in the 1934–35 season. The trophy was donated by the Maharajah of Patiala but named after KS Ranjitsinhji ("Ranji"), even though he barely played any of his cricket in the country. Ranji had died on 2 April 1933. The first winner was Bombay. Since then India has undergone many changes in its cricket history.
The lists below give the leading first-class runscorers and wicket-takers in each domestic season.
India's debut in Test cricket was in the 1932 English season when they played England at Lord's Cricket Ground. England won by 158 runs.
The MCC tour was from October 1926 to February 1927. Captained by Arthur Gilligan, the team played 26 first-class matches in India and a further four first-class matches in Ceylon. Team members included Maurice Leyland, Andy Sandham, Bob Wyatt, Arthur Dolphin, George Geary, Ewart Astill and George Brown.
This team, which also visited Ceylon, played six matches in India. It included Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe.
No Tests were played, but India played Ceylon in two matches, both of which were drawn.
For more information about this tour, see: Ceylonese cricket team in India in 1932–33.
This tour featured the first Test series ever played in India. England won the series 2–0 with 1 match drawn:
For more information about this tour, see: English cricket team in India in 1933–34.
For information about this tour, see: Australian cricket team in Ceylon and India in 1935–36.
Lord Tennyson's team of 16 English players played 15 first-class matches, including five against India, between October 1937 and February 1938.
For information about this tour, see: Ceylonese cricket team in India in 1940–41.