About Us
The Swami Army was formed during India’s tour to Australia in Season 2003/04 by a group of 10 die-hard Indian cricket supporters, using the Swami Army moniker as a bit of fun while following their beloved Indian team around Australia in that season. The tour was significant in that it was Steve Waugh’s final Test series, but also represented the start of India’s climb to the top of the Test rankings. As the crowds flocked to the grounds to watch India come close to beating Australia in the Test Series decider in Sydney 2004, the Swami Army grew from its core group of 10 supporters to a large gathering occupying Bay 26 of the SCG.
Since then, the Swami Army have gone from strength to strength. In the (in)famous Indian tour of 2007/08 to Australia, the Swami Army were a recognised force at each ground in Australia cheering on Team India. Local and international media caught onto the Swami Army, with members being interviewed by Channel 9’s Cricket Show, NDTV and Nova 969.
Whilst the Swami Army was established in 2003, at a time when Indian cricket was on the rise, members have been following the team during the “dark” days as well. You will hear members reminisce about the 1991 Indian tour, where cricket fans first fell in love with the “Little Master”, but the Indian team was convincingly beaten 4-0 in the Test Matches. Or in 1999, when a large group travelled to every game by road, only to witness a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Steve Waugh’s great Australian team. The Swami Army are no fair-weather supporter group – we will be there singing, chanting and dancing at the grounds, supporting our team, no matter what the result!
As India prepare to tour Australia again in 2011/12, the Swami Army is now an established group of Indian cricket supporters not just present in Australia, but with “regiments” around the world, including the UK, USA, South Africa and Singapore. We have been recognised by cricket authorities as the leading Indian cricket supporter group, and have been provided with Designated Areas at each ground in Australia. Our primary focus is to enhance the viewing experience of all cricket supporters at cricket grounds in an enjoyable, family-friendly environment, dhol player and all!
We are in discussions with cricket boards worldwide to increase the Swami Army’s capabilities to wherever the Indian team play the wonderful game of cricket. We will be organising official Swami Army tour groups to all corners of the globe, to allow cricket lovers to follow their passion with like-minded people.
So become a Swami Army member today to receive all the benefits of becoming a part of the leading Indian cricket supporter group!