More Indian fans want to witness matches at Wankhede, followed by Eden Gardens

While nearly half (47 per cent) of Indians are ready to swap their sofas for seats at the stadium – both, within the country and abroad, about 55 per cent of Indians have Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai at the top of their wishlist to experience a match and its atmosphere, followed by Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The passion for the sport is higher than ever before amid the Indian Premier League 2025, according to a new report. Unsurprisingly, an overwhelming 98 per cent of respondents also admitted to their love for the game.

The new findings were part of the ‘Pitch Perfect Journeys’ report released by Skyscanner revealing how the love of cricket is shaping the travel choices of Indians. 

For Indian travellers, match day is just the beginning as 50 per cent of Indian cricket fans are choosing to extend their cricket trips by 3–4 days, turning it into a full-fledged getaway. 

From savouring local flavours to checking off tourist landmarks and iconic sites, fans are making the most of their trip by exploring the host city. In fact, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a major driver, with 80 per cent of cricket fans excited to travel and support their favourite teams, turning it into one of the most anticipated travel moments of the year. Cricket fans are drawn to live experiences, with 67 per cent of Indians having already soaked in the excitement of being in the stadium, and 94 per cent eager to relive that thrilling atmosphere in the near future.

As cricket emerges as a major travel motivator, travellers are pairing their passion for the game with smart, practical planning. For 55 per cent of fans, location and the stadium atmosphere are the top considerations, followed by the participating teams (51 per cent). Additionally, factors like the possibility of combining the match with a holiday (42 per cent) also holds weight, while practical considerations such as easy access to the stadium (38 per cent), accommodation costs (37 per cent), relaxed visa policies (34 per cent), and flight costs (29 per cent) play a significant role in planning their cricket-centric trips too. 

Sharing his views on the survey, Mohit Joshi, who is the travel app company`s travel and destinations expert, shares, “Indians have always had a deep love for travel, and now they are bringing that same energy to their passion for cricket. With nearly half (48 per cent) planning their trips to watch a live match up to two months in advance, it is clear that cricket-fuelled travel is on the rise, with fans mapping out every detail, right down to who they want to share the experience with. Friends top the list as the preferred matchday companions for 74 per cent of Indians, followed by family (59 per cent) and spouses or partners (46 per cent), proving that cricket is not just a game, it’s a shared experience. This rising interest in travelling for cricket is a perfect example of Sport Mode — one of the key travel trends we identified in our Travel Trends 2025 report — where travellers combine their love for sports with their desire to explore new places.”

Here are some trends highlighted through the report:

Australia and Mumbai top the charts among the list of destinations: The excitement is not limited to the matchday experience. Indians are also eyeing destinations they want to check off their bucket list. When it comes to witnessing international tournaments, Australia takes the top spot, with over half (56 per cent) of Indians keen to visit the Land Down Under, followed by England (46 per cent), New Zealand (40 per cent), and the UAE (31 per cent). 

On the home turf, Mumbai leads the scoreboard drawing in 1 in 5 (20 per cent) Indians for its electrifying stadium vibes and the chance to soak in the city’s culture, with Bangalore (18 per cent), Chennai (13 per cent) and Delhi (12 per cent) following closely behind. 

Chennai Super Kings fans hit it out of the park: The cricket fever is on a new high with the ongoing Indian Premier League, sparking fierce team loyalty and travel plans among Indians. Chennai Super Kings fans are leading the charge, with nearly 3 in 10 (29 per cent) Indians willing to travel to another city to cheer them on, followed by fans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (19 per cent) and Mumbai Indians (18 per cent). 

Wankhede Stadium is the holy grail for cricket fans: Iconic stadiums are also a major draw for cricket enthusiasts who want to catch the live action in a stadium for its cricketing history. Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai tops the wishlist, with 55 per cent of Indians eager to experience the legendary atmosphere, while Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Lord’s in England also draw in 52 per cent of Indians. 

Cricket trips is equal to fun for Indians: Turning cricket trips into full-fledged travel experiences, Indians know how to make every trip count. Topping the list is shopping (57 per cent), trying the local cuisine (44 per cent), exploring tourist hotspots (42 per cent) and even sneaking in a quick getaway outside the city (39 per cent). 

When it comes to food, Mumbai’s iconic vada pav reigns supreme as it does on the streets of Mumbai, with 41 per cent of Indians more interested in trying the staple food of the `Maximum City`. Chennai’s dosa and chutney (30 per cent), Delhi’s momo (27 per cent) and Bengaluru’s filter coffee and idlis (26 per cent) are also fan favourites with travellers keen on trying these local snacks when in the city.

With so many fans eager to experience the thrilling atmosphere of a live match, it’s not just about being there, it`s about making the most of every moment. 

Taran Singh, a popular sports influencer and cricket enthusiast, known for his much-awaited match-day content and expert insights, shares more on how to elevate your stadium experience and travel smart this IPL season. He says, “Cricket in India isn’t just a game anymore, it’s become a full-blown travel experience. Whether it’s following your favourite team from city to city during the IPL or planning a match weekend with friends and family, fans today are building their itineraries around cricket calendars. I have personally done this and the energy at the stadium is unmatched. For someone like me who is often hopping between cities to catch the action, planning smart is key.”

Taran Singh also shared his top tips to help cricket fans make the most of their match day experience:
1. Pick the right seats: Go for upper-tier seats behind the bowler’s arm for a better view and a bit more ventilation. It makes a difference, especially during those long innings.
2. Arrive early: Stadium gates usually open 2–3 hours before the match. Get in early to skip long queues, settle in. 
3. Protect your ticket like gold: Your physical ticket is your only entry pass. If the barcode is torn, faded or tampered with, you will be turned away—no matter what. Handle with care.
4. Cut the clutter: Most stadiums don’t allow backpacks or large handbags. If you must carry something, keep it to a small sling bag or use your pockets for essentials.
5. Dress for comfort, not just style: Light cotton clothes work best in the heat. Don’t forget your cap, sunscreen and sunglasses. And wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot.
6. Stick to the stadium rules: Security checks are tight. Power banks, food, metal objects, water bottles, helmets are not allowed in. Check the prohibited list beforehand.