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Cricket-inspired getaways are the new travel trend, as fans plan extended trips, explore cities, and follow their teams across the map
CSK skipper MS Dhoni pulverised the RCB bowlers in his statement innings, which featured a mindboggling 7 sixes.(Image: Suresh Raina/X, formerly Twitter)
As stadium cheers echo louder than ever, a new survey by global travel app Skyscanner confirms what many suspected: Indians are turning their love for cricket into full-blown travel itineraries. The recently released Pitch Perfect Journeys survey reveals that 47% of Indian cricket fans plan to travel—both domestically and internationally—to witness live matches, with a whopping 98% of respondents declaring their deep affection for the game.
But it’s not just about matchday thrills. The travel extends into leisure, with 50% of fans choosing to stay on for 3–4 days post-match to soak in the local culture, food, and tourist experiences. According to the report, 80% of fans are excited to catch an IPL match live this season, and many are planning their journeys well in advance—48% book their travel up to two months ahead. The survey also reveals that 67% of Indians have already experienced a live cricket match in a stadium, and 94% are eager to do it again.
Australia and Mumbai top the charts among cricket-inspired destinations
The excitement goes beyond matchday. Indians are also keen on checking destinations off their bucket list. For international tournaments, Australia takes the top spot, with 56% of Indians eager to visit the Land Down Under, followed by England (46%), New Zealand (40%), and the UAE (31%).
On home turf, Mumbai leads the scoreboard, drawing in 1 in 5 (20%) Indians for its electrifying stadium vibes and cultural experiences. It’s closely followed by Bangalore (18%), Chennai (13%), and Delhi (12%).
Chennai Super Kings fans hit it out of the park
Cricket fever has reached new heights with the ongoing Indian Premier League, sparking fierce loyalty and travel plans among fans. Chennai Super Kings supporters are leading the charge, with nearly 3 in 10 (29%) Indians willing to travel to another city to cheer them on—followed by fans of Royal Challengers Bangalore (19%) and Mumbai Indians (18%).
Wankhede: The Holy Grail for cricket fans
Iconic stadiums remain a major draw. Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai tops the wishlist, with 55% of Indians eager to experience its legendary atmosphere. Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Lord’s in England follow closely, each drawing in 52% of cricket lovers.
Cricket trips = Full toss fun for Indians
Turning matches into full-fledged travel experiences, Indians know how to make every trip count. Topping the list of matchday extras are shopping (57%), trying local cuisine (44%), exploring tourist hotspots (42%), and sneaking in a quick getaway outside the city (39%).
When it comes to food, Mumbai’s iconic vada pav reigns supreme, with 41% of travellers keen to try the city’s beloved street snack. Other fan-favourites include Chennai’s dosa and chutney (30%), Delhi’s momos (27%), and Bengaluru’s filter coffee and idlis (26%).
Skyscanner’s Mohit Joshi shares insights on Sport Mode travel, “Indians have always had a deep love for travel, and now they’re bringing that same energy to their passion for cricket,” says Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel and Destinations Expert. “With nearly half (48%) planning trips up to two months in advance, cricket-fuelled travel is on the rise—fans are mapping out every detail, right down to who they want to share the experience with. Friends top the list as preferred matchday companions for 74% of Indians, followed by family (59%) and partners (46%). This rising interest in travelling for cricket is a perfect example of Sport Mode—a key trend from our Travel Trends 2025 report—where travellers blend their love for sports with the joy of exploring new destinations.”
Mohit adds, “Whether it’s scoring the best flight deals with Price Alerts, finding the cheapest travel days using Whole Month, or locating accommodation close to the stadium with our interactive map—our tools are designed to help travellers make smarter, stress-free choices without letting their bank balances get bowled over.”
Taran Singh’s top tips for smart cricket travel
Taran Singh, a popular sports influencer and cricket enthusiast known for his matchday content and insights, shares his take, “Cricket in India isn’t just a game anymore—it’s become a full-blown travel experience. Whether it’s following your favourite team during the IPL or planning a match weekend with loved ones, fans are building entire itineraries around the cricket calendar. I’ve done it myself, and the stadium energy is unmatched.”
His top travel tips for fellow cricket lovers:
Pick the right seats: Upper-tier seats behind the bowler’s arm offer great views and better ventilation—crucial for long innings.
Arrive early: Stadium gates open 2–3 hours before the match. Skip the queues and settle in early.
Protect your ticket like gold: A torn, faded, or tampered barcode will get you turned away—no exceptions.
Cut the clutter: Backpacks and large handbags are typically not allowed. Travel light with a sling bag or essentials in your pockets.
Dress for comfort: Light cotton clothes, sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses, and comfy shoes are a must—you’ll be walking a lot.
Know the rules: Check the stadium’s prohibited items list. Power banks, food, metal objects, helmets, and water bottles are usually not allowed.
