In India, cricket is more than simply a sport; it's a feeling that fosters fervor, solidarity, and, more recently, travel. 47% of Indian cricket fans are prepared to pack their bags and travel—or take to the skies—to watch live cricket matches, per a recent Skyscanner analysis titled Pitch Perfect Journeys. Indian fans are increasingly fusing their passion for the game with their travel schedules, whether it's the excitement of an IPL match or the enchantment of an international test match.

According to the survey, 80% of cricket fans say they are excited about going to see matches, and 67% have already felt the exhilaration of being in a stadium to watch a match. A staggering 94% of respondents are also excited to experience the stadium fervor once more soon. For many, cricket tourism is evidently a way of life rather than just a fad.

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Travel + Cricket = The new vacation formulaTraveling for cricket is evolving beyond match-day activities. Approximately half of cricket enthusiasts transform their excursions into mini-vacations by extending them by three to four days. Enjoying the local cuisine, culture, and experiences before or after the game is just as important as seeing their favorite players play. In addition, elements like stadium atmosphere (55%), the teams playing (51%), accessibility (38%), and lodging costs (37%), are influencing this growing trend of "cricket-leisure" travel.


Top preferred destinations for cricket fansSo, where exactly are Indian fans heading to catch live cricket?

Mumbai comes in first place, the research said. Mumbai is a fan favorite because of its lively environment and exciting nightlife, which includes Wankhede Stadium and a thriving cricket culture. Ahmedabad is next in line because of the Narendra Modi Stadium, the biggest cricket stadium in the world, which draws huge crowds for both IPL and international games.

Not only do Delhi and Bengaluru have famous stadiums; they also have well-connected metropolises, and offer endless options to people to explore after a game. Then there is

Chennai that manages to capture hearts down south with its fervent cricket fans and devotion to their local team, particularly at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

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Further, it's pertinent to mention that fans' attention is not limited to Indian cities only. Cricket lovers who want to combine their passion for the game with travel abroad , even like to go beyond the borders, and have international cricket hotspots like London, Melbourne, and Dubai in their travel wishlist. Their widespread appeal can be linked to the simplicity of obtaining a visa, availability of direct flights, and famous locations like Lord's and the MCG.

Cricket tourism: A win for travel industryThis increase in cricket-related travel, further presents a chance for travel agencies, hotels, and airlines to come up with more offers and all. With carefully planned match-day packages, cricket-themed activities, and hotel offers near stadiums, the tourism industry is now serving the "cricket tourist," a group motivated by enthusiasm, loyalty, and a desire to see new places.

This also means that as India continues to host more live matches and global tournaments, one thing is clear: fans are ready to follow the game wherever it goes. With a jersey in one hand and a boarding pass in the other, Indian cricket lovers are redefining what it means to be a sports traveler.