In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, avid traveller and cricket enthusiast Taran Singh delves into the booming trend of fan travel in India, where sporting events like the IPL are no longer just about the match, but about exploring new cities, cultures and experiences
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Cricket in India is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. But in 2025, it’s also becoming a way to travel. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report, 53% of Indian travellers are planning trips—domestically and internationally—specifically to attend sporting events this year. With the IPL 2025 season recently concluding and the World Test Championship final just around the corner, a new wave of Indian fans is packing their bags not just for the stadiums, but for the cities, the cultures, and the experiences surrounding the matches.
We caught up with Taran Singh, an avid traveller, cricket lover and content creator, to explore how this phenomenon—coined fan travel—is transforming tourism for a new generation of sports enthusiasts.
“I’m an avid traveller and a cricket enthusiast. As someone who is constantly hopping from one city to the next, often across borders, I’ve noticed a shift in the way cricket fans travel.”
According to him, the passion for the game is no longer limited to what happens inside the stadium. “They aren’t just turning up for the game; they’re there for the full experience—the energy at the stadium, the buzzing crowds and the thrill of cheering alongside fellow fans,” he explains.
Singh admits he once thought he was one of the few combining sports with travel. “But it turns out, I’m part of a much bigger trend,” he says. Skyscanner’s Pitch Perfect Journeys report confirms this: nearly 47% of Indian cricket fans are keen to travel—both within India and abroad—to watch live matches. “And it doesn’t stop at the stadium,” Singh adds. “Fifty percent of them are extending their cricket trips by three to four days, turning match days into mini-holidays.”
A key reason for this trend? Inspiration from the digital world. “What’s even more relatable is that 65% say influencers and social media inspire them,” Singh notes. “It’s clear this isn’t just about sport anymore; it’s become a whole travel experience. That’s exactly what I see in my community—people asking for tips, DMs about where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of a match city. Cricket isn’t just a sport anymore. It’s a reason to explore.”
According to Singh, tournaments like the IPL and WPL have become much like India’s festive calendar—moments fans plan their lives around.
“I’ve seen so many around me—friends, family, even fans online—starting to put together travel plans the moment the schedule drops,” he says. “It’s more than just about scoring a seat at the stadium; it’s about booking flights, hotels, and soaking in the full vibe.” And the numbers back that sentiment. “Skyscanner’s report shows that 80% of Indian fans want to travel for the IPL this year, and nearly half—48%—start planning up to two months early,” Singh shares. “Personally, it’s the chants at the stadium, the connection with other fans, and discovering a city through cricket that makes it all worth it.”
Having travelled across continents for cricket, Singh has some clear favourites. “In India, Wankhede tops my list,” he says. “There’s an unbeatable vibe when the stadium is packed, especially during the evening matches.” But the post-match experience is just as important. “The real celebration spills out onto Marine Drive after the match,” he shares. “Fans in jerseys, waving flags, soaking in the joy—it’s a vibe. Whenever I’m in Mumbai, I always grab a vada pav and do some street shopping. It’s now a ritual.”
According to Skyscanner, Singh is far from alone in this. “Their report says 41% of Indians are keen on trying Mumbai’s iconic vada pav when they travel for cricket. It also mentions that 57% love to shop during match travel—something I totally relate to,” he adds.
Internationally, Singh’s most cherished cricket memory is at Lord’s. “It’s always been the dream—there’s something surreal about its history and atmosphere,” he says. “I’m hoping to catch the World Test Championship final there this June.” He also praises the Australian cricket experience: “I had the chance to visit Australia during a recent tour, and it completely lived up to the hype.”
He adds, “Skyscanner’s report reflects this trend too—56% of Indian fans are keen on travelling to Australia for cricket, and 46% are eyeing England. Between iconic stadiums and vibrant local cultures, these trips are what every cricket lover’s dreams are made of.”
For those just starting to plan cricket-centric travel, Singh offers practical guidance. “My biggest advice is to stay flexible,” he says. “The demand for match tickets and flights surges quickly once the schedule drops, so having flexible dates and timings helps.”
As for the perfect stadium spot? “I always aim for the upper-tier seats right behind the bowler’s arm. You have a perfect view of the game and the field, and being higher up means you catch a bit more breeze—which, trust me, makes all the difference during long innings in summer.”
Singh treats match day with a blend of excitement and military precision. “I double-check my ticket, ID, and entry time the night before—nothing kills the mood like realising you’ve forgotten something essential,” he laughs.
His secret to a smooth day? Leave early. “I head to the stadium a couple of hours before the gates open to avoid traffic and long queues.”
To save on travel, Singh gets creative. “I mix and match flights and airports, book one-way tickets with different airlines, or fly into one city and out of another—it helps save money. Skyscanner makes all of this really easy.”
Once he’s inside, he taps into the buzz. “There’s something surreal about fans arriving in jerseys, drums playing in the background—the energy building up to the game. I usually scout the food stalls early—pro tip: the best stuff runs out fast!” When it comes to match travel, Singh keeps it simple and efficient. “Packing light is the best,” he says. “A good check-in suitcase makes life easier when you’re running between airports and stadiums.”
His must-haves? “My jersey, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some of my camera gear. And I always wear breathable clothes—something easy to move in.” With most stadiums limiting bag size, he sticks to a small sling. “Just enough for the essentials,” he adds.
As a Gen Z traveller and content creator, Singh says his camera is as important as his ticket. “It’s about capturing the vibe, the crowd energy, and the local culture—ensuring my audience can feel it through their screens,” he shares.
He believes that some cities just light up for cricket. “Mumbai and Bengaluru are always buzzing—the cafés, the streets, the celebrations. According to Skyscanner, 57% of Gen Z fans say stadium atmosphere excites them most. I couldn’t agree more.”
Post-match euphoria is where content magic happens. “After a big win, places like Marine Drive or India Gate turn into full-blown celebration zones—fireworks, singing, dancing. Capturing that kind of joy in such iconic locations? It hits differently.” For Singh, Skyscanner is an essential travel companion. “IPL isn’t just a hectic time for players—it’s just as packed for fans like me who follow teams from city to city.”
He appreciates the flexibility it offers. “Their Price Alerts feature is a lifesaver. Once set up, it notifies you of flight price drops, so you know exactly when to book.” Even better? “The Multi-City search tool. You can book all your trips in one go without hopping across tabs. Whether it’s syncing with match schedules or finding last-minute deals, Skyscanner makes the planning smooth and cost-effective,” Singh concludes.
In 2025, cricket is shaping not just India’s weekends—but its wanderlust. And if Singh’s journey is any indication, fan travel is no fleeting trend. It’s a lifestyle. “Cricket isn’t just something I watch,” Singh says with a smile. “It’s how I see the world.”
