How cricket reflects and reveals the Commonwealth legacy like no other sport

Cricket is part of the games. Eight teams from around the world will compete for the gold medal.

Cricket has always been a part of the Commonwealth.

Cricket shows the history of that part of British history.

"If you're a batter, and you're out, you don't question the verdict of the umpire," said Dr Prashant Kidambi, an expert in Indian colonial history.

The British thought of the relationship between the colonisers and the colonised in that way.

Lord Harris was the British governor of Mumbai in the 1890s and Kidambi's book looks at the beginnings of the game there.

Lord Harris believed that cricket was a sign of the success of the British civilising mission as the Empire grew.

Cricket could be a metaphor for the Empire's idea of hierarchy and obeying the rules. Communities and societies articulated their own identities through sport.

• How to watch and follow the Commonwealth Games on the BBC

Cricket has become the most visible and vibrant way of demonstrating Indian national identity since it began as a way of making colonial subjects feel more British.

There is the same thing in other places.

There was a British slave colony in Antigua. While covering the first Test between England and the West Indies in March, we talked to the man who embodied independent black pride like no other cricketer.

"Maybe that's why some people would look at me and say, 'WOW, what an arrogant guy, the way he walks out to bat'," said Richards.

It's not arrogance." The most important thing is that I believed in humans. I am the same as any other colour on the planet.

A lot has been given by the people.

Many people in the Caribbean want to recognize the legacy of slavery.

He said to tell the generations and the kids how they got rich.

We didn't get paid for our part. We hear a lot about the issue of compensation. I think that's a good call.

Cricket is just one of the legacies of colonial rule in many of the islands.

Representation and accountability have been raised through cricket.

Azeem Rafiq's testimony exposed flaws, frustration, and deep instances of racism. Cricket has promised to change.

The Commonwealth Games are being hosted by Edgbaston. As journalists, we've seen first hand the work that Warwickshire have done to try and engage the diverse population of the city, including the Muslim community.

Since Rafiq's revelations, these initiatives have become even more important. Those at the club who are committed to inclusivity were frustrated by the alleged racist behavior of the crowd during the Test match.

There is another chance to make progress.

Guha believes that cricket has the power to influence and set the example of how to be inclusive.

Everyone is connected by the different communities involved in cricket.

We went through a period in the last couple of years which was really uncomfortable. It has been difficult for everyone in cricket. We have to look at ourselves and see how we can improve.

The band aid had to be ripped off in order to uncover the truth. Cricket is able to do that through the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Games, as a women's tournament, will spur another wave of female participation. Cricket is an innovative sport.

Kidambi thinks that is true of the Commonwealth as well.

He says there has been a breakdown of the Commonwealth.

Britain's role in politics has waned. If you think of the Commonwealth you think of educational exchanges and sporting events.

A zone where countries can come together is offered by the Commonwealth. Someone will win and someone won't. You've participated in a common activity. That is worth something.

After the British promoted cricket as a civilising mission, the idea of common purpose and common identity remained.

That may be a legacy of the Cricket Empire we see in the city.