British used cricket as a means to separate people in India. For this purpose, they organised Cricket tournaments in India among the teams that were based on communal and racial lines. Initially, Quadrangular tournaments were organised, wherein four teams participated viz. Europeans, Parsis, Hindus and Muslims. Later it became Pentangular when a fifth team was added namely 'Rest'. This team comprised of the left overs like Indian Christians. Both of these tournaments were highly condemned by Mahatma Gandhi and S.A. Brelvi, since these tournaments were devised to divide people on communal basis.
On the other hand, Ranji Trophy was played at State Level among different state teams. This tournament was played in the post-independence era.
