Where Indians are concerned, social barriers aren't preventing them from succeeding in sport. It's a bit simplistic to say that. For the % of the population playing cricket, Indians and Pakistanis have the highest representation and that includes white British and African-Caribbean kids. Now cricket is far more expensive in terms of equipment and club membership. It still is to a great extent a 'middle -class' sport. Football isn't far behind but there has been a reluctance on families' part to get their kids into football. Physical attribute have feck all to do with it. There have been Asian leagues for generations but not publicised. In fact an Indian lad once told me that scouts cam to watch Beckham when he was a kid in Chingford and overlooked an Asian kid who looked every bit as good. An inherent prejudice that they 'don't have the physique, or bottle etc' still exists. Cultural barriers do exist but being Indian myself, I'd say that a lot of Indian fathers I know tend to shy away from the 'football mentality,' and I can understand why. It takes a real dedication to want to make it in football and if a barrier is perceived or put up then Asian families will likely become more insular.
My son is into football big time. He's one of two who are of mixed heritage in his team..the other is half Caribbean. As much as I chat to other parents and as a teacher I get a certain amount of respect from the local community, I'm not embraced by all the parents. I'm still an outsider socially.
In a cricket club, I doubt very much that would happen.
