India set to host the 2023 Cricket World Cup
The 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to take place soon. The quadrennial One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament for men’s national teams is scheduled from 5 October to 19 November 2023. India is hosting the tournament and are also favorites to win the tournament, with a powerhouse team including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah.
The Cricket World Cup will be played in a round-robin format, then followed by semi-finals and winner take all final match. All ten teams will play one match in the round-robin. A victory is worth two points, a tie or no result is worth one point. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals. Ten cities in India will host the tournament.
The following teams have qualified for the 2023 Cricket World Cup:
India (hosts)
Australia
England
Pakistan
South Africa
Bangladesh
Afghanistan
New Zealand
National teams from the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman, Scotland, UAE, and United States will compete in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 for the remaining three spots. In that tournament, the top two teams will qualify directly for the world cup, whereas the third-placed team will compete against the eighth-ranked team in the ODI Super League in a playoff.
Tourism impact of the Cricket World Cup
This year, India is hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Imagine a deafening roar from the crowd, tension in the air, and national colors on the players. The country’s cricket tourism seems to be reaching a new frenzy as the clock ticks closer to October 5, the day of the inauguration.
There is no doubt that cricket enthusiasts from across the globe are flocking to the country, with hotel bookings increasing 15-20 percent over the same period last year in cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, which are hosting key matches. The price of flights has also increased two-three times closer to match dates, too.
The cost of luxury hotels has skyrocketed by 10 to 15 times, while the cost of budget-friendly hotels has doubled. There were an increase of 70-90 percent in hotel bookings because of the India-Pakistan match being played there. Smaller inventories compared to bigger cities are also driving up room rates.
How to Plan Your Trip to India for the Cricket World Cup 2023
The Cricket World Cup 2023 is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, and India is the perfect destination to witness the action and excitement. India is a diverse and vibrant country, with a rich culture, history, and cuisine. Whether you are a die-hard cricket fan or a curious traveler, there is something for everyone in India.
But how do you plan your trip to India for the Cricket World Cup 2023? Here are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your visit.
The Cricket World Cup 2023 will take place across 10 cities in India, each with its own charm and attractions. The cities are:
Ahmedabad
Bengaluru
Chennai
Delhi
Dharamsala
Hyderabad
Kolkata
Lucknow
Mumbai
Raipur
You can check the full schedule of matches here and decide which ones you want to attend. You can also choose your venues based on your preferences and budget. Some venues are more popular and expensive than others, so you may want to book your tickets and accommodation well in advance.
Go to the official ICC Cricket World Cup website
Book Your Travel Package
One of the easiest ways to plan your trip to India for the Cricket World Cup 2023 is to book a travel package from an official travel agent. The official travel agents for the Cricket World Cup 2023 are listed here. They offer ticket-inclusive travel packages that include flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing, and other services. You can choose from a range of options, such as:
Match Breaks: These are short packages that include tickets to one or two matches, along with accommodation and transfers.
Venue Packages: These are longer packages that include tickets to all the matches at a specific venue, along with accommodation, transfers, and sightseeing.
Follow Your Team Packages: These are packages that allow you to follow your favorite team throughout the tournament, along with accommodation, transfers, and sightseeing.
Finals Packages: These are packages that include tickets to the semi-finals and the final, along with accommodation, transfers, and sightseeing.
You can also customize your package according to your needs and preferences. Booking a travel package will save you time and hassle, as well as guarantee your place at the matches.
Explore the Tourist Hotspots
India is not only a cricket lover’s paradise, but also a tourist’s delight. There are so many things to see and do in India, that you will never run out of options. Here are some of the tourist hotspots that you can explore near the host stadiums.
Ahmedabad: Visit the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived and led the freedom movement; admire the architectural marvels of Adalaj Stepwell and Jama Masjid; enjoy the colorful festivities of Navratri and kite festival.
Bengaluru: Experience the cosmopolitan vibe of India’s Silicon Valley; stroll through the lush Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden; shop at the trendy Brigade Road and Commercial Street; savour the delicious dosas and filter coffee.
Chennai: Witness the cultural heritage of South India at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Santhome Cathedral; relax at the Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach; taste the spicy Chettinad cuisine and filter coffee.
Delhi: Explore the historical monuments of Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and India Gate; shop at the bustling Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place; sample the street food of chaat, paratha, and kebab.
Dharamsala: Soak in the serene beauty of the Himalayas; visit the Dalai Lama’s residence and monastery; learn about Tibetan culture and Buddhism at the Norbulingka Institute and Tibet Museum; trek to Triund Hill and Kareri Lake.
Hyderabad: Marvel at the majestic Charminar and Golconda Fort; enjoy the biryani and haleem at Paradise Restaurant; shop for pearls and bangles at Laad Bazaar; visit the Ramoji Film City and Salar Jung Museum.
Kolkata: Experience the colonial charm of Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Indian Museum; indulge in the sweets of rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi; take a ferry ride on the Hooghly River; visit the Kalighat Temple and Dakshineswar Temple.