When traveling to India, you'll have a wealth of choices for exploring culture, history, and cuisine. But if you want to truly connect with the soul of the nation, consider spending an evening or afternoon at a stadium, cheering on a cricket match. For Indians, cricket is more than just a sport; it's a source of immense pride and passion, deeply woven into their social fabric, media, and entertainment.

What Is Cricket?

Cricket is a bat-and-ball team sport with origins in England. It has since taken deep root in many Commonwealth nations, especially in South Asia, Australia, and the UK. In India, cricket is not just a game; it's an essential part of the cultural landscape, often described as the country's "second religion."

Source: Getty Images

Basic Rules and Concepts

1) Teams

A cricket match is played between two teams of 11 players each, on an oval or circular grassy field. The central part of the field, known as the pitch, is where the main action takes place.

Image: An aerial view of an oval or circular cricket field, with 11 players from each team in their positions, along with the central pitch area.

2) Objective of the Game

The batting team aims to score points, or runs, by hitting the ball and running between the two ends of the pitch. Conversely, the bowling/fielding team tries to get the opposing batters out in various ways.

Image: A batsman attempting to hit a ball bowled by a bowler, with fielders positioned around.

Match Formats of Cricket

Cricket offers several formats with different durations and rules. For first-time visitors, T20 cricket (especially IPL) is the easiest and most exciting to watch.

*An over is a term in cricket for a series of six legal deliveries bowled by the same bowler. After an over is completed, a different bowler takes over from the opposite end of the pitch.

Why Cricket Is Special in India

The passion of the Indian people for cricket is undeniable. From impromptu street matches among children to packed stadiums with tens of thousands of spectators, the sport is a constant presence in daily life. The fact that the Cricket World Cup 2023, held in India, attracted record-breaking viewership further solidified its status as the nation's number-one sport.

Photo by Vitthal Dikonda

A standout event is the Indian Premier League (IPL). This T20 tournament is often called the "Champions League of cricket" due to its mix of high-level competition and thrilling entertainment. With famous teams like the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL generates massive revenue and draws hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

Image: Paramedics are dispatched to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to provide first aid after fans celebrating the Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL victory caused a stampede. Source: Sky Sports

Current & Upcoming Cricket Events (2025–2026)

If you're planning a trip to India in late 2025 or early 2026, it's the perfect time to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of live cricket.

• International Series in India (Late 2025 – Early 2026): This is the highlight of the cricket season. India will host international teams like the West Indies and South Africa for a series of matches across different formats (Test, ODI, T20I). These games are typically held at major stadiums, attracting huge crowds and offering a fantastic opportunity to see the world's top players in action.

• Ranji Trophy 2025–26: Running from October 2025 to February 2026, the Ranji Trophy is India's most prestigious domestic championship. While it doesn't feature international stars, it provides an authentic experience of local cricket, with emerging domestic talent competing in the traditional five-day Test format. Tickets are usually affordable, making it a great way to explore the deeper culture of the sport.

• India A vs. Australia A: A noteworthy One-Day Series will take place at Green Park Stadium (Kanpur) in late September 2025. This is a chance to experience a passionate stadium atmosphere at a reasonable cost while watching rising stars from two of the world's leading cricketing nations.

• Asia Cup 2025: While this tournament will be held in the UAE, it remains a hot topic in the region. You can easily follow the exciting matches, especially those featuring India against rivals like Pakistan and Bangladesh, on TV or at sports cafes in major Indian cities. It's a fantastic way to feel the intense national passion, even from afar.

Where to Watch Cricket in India

For those traveling to India, attending a live cricket match is a unique cultural experience. You'll not only witness impressive plays but also feel the collective energy, unity, and fierce national pride of the local people.

• You can buy tickets to live matches at iconic venues like Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), or Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)—all considered temples of Indian cricket.

• If you can't make it to a stadium, you can still enjoy the games on TV channels like Star Sports or streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, which is especially popular for the IPL.

• Alternatively, you can visit a local cafe or sports bar in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. Here, you can cheer alongside passionate locals in a lively atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit India for Cricket + Travel

To make the most of your trip, consider aligning your travel dates with the cricket schedule:

• March to June: This is the season for the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the weather can be hot, the electrifying energy of the IPL is an unforgettable highlight. This period is perfect for combining urban travel with the excitement of the world's largest cricket league.

• October to March: The weather in India during this period is generally cool and dry, making it ideal for sightseeing at landmarks like the Taj Mahal and other heritage cities. This is also the season for international series, when India hosts renowned teams from England, Australia, and others. If you want to experience traditional cricket (Test, ODI) while exploring the country's rich culture, this is the perfect time to visit.

In short, watching cricket in India is not just about the sport – it is about feeling the nation’s heartbeat. Whether in a massive stadium, a cozy café, or even on the streets where children play with makeshift bats, cricket offers travelers a direct path to India’s soul.