The Men’s Cricket World Cup in India needed to be postponed due to COVID-19, but nothing could stop India from proudly going ahead and hosting on its own for the very first time – and now it’s almost here!
From what to wear, where to go, how to stay healthy, and how to smoothly use your phone while you’re in India, here’s a rundown on what to expect at the Men’s Cricket World Cup in India this fall …
When is the Men’s Cricket World Cup in India?
The ICC (International Cricket Council) Men’s Cricket World Cup runs October 5 through November 19, 2023 in venues across India. The 45-day championships are expected to draw Cricket fans from all over world.
Which teams are competing at the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup?
Ten teams are competing in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India this fall, including the defending champions, England. The 10 teams include India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands.
Where are the Men’s Cricket World Cup warm-ups happening, and can I attend?
Yes, you can attend warm-ups! The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup warm-ups are scheduled to take place in three different venues, and tickets are on sale now.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium: Sometimes known as Assam Cricket Association Stadium or ACA Stadium, this 50,000-seat venue is located in Guwahati, Assam, India and is the largest sports stadium in Northeast India.
Greenfield International Stadium: You may also know it as The Sports Hub or Trivandrum International Stadium, but Greenfield International Stadium also holds 50,000 spectators and it’s located at Kariavattom in Thiruvananthapuram City.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: Known as Hyderabad Cricket Stadium amongst its regulars, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, and can hold 55,000 fans.
When is the Men’s Cricket World Cup opening ceremony?
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup opening ceremony is scheduled for October 4, 2023 at Narendra Modi Stadium, exactly one day before the opening match between New Zealand and England.
Where are the Men’s Cricket World Cup matches?
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup matches will take place at 10 different venues within India, and tickets are available now:
Arun Jaitley Stadium
Bhrat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Eden Gardens
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
M Chinnaswamy Stadium
MA Chidambaram Stadiu
MCA International Stadium
Narendra Modi Stadium
Rajiv Ghandi International Stadium
Wankhede Stadium
Travelling abroad for the Men’s Cricket World Cup in India?
If you’ll be travelling into India for the Men’s Cricket World Cup, there are a few ways to set yourself up for a successful international trip:
Pack your passport and another form of identification.
Make sure you bring a valid passport that isn’t going to expire while you’re India. (It’s a good idea to have six months “wiggle room” on the expiry when travelling internationally.) If your passport contains an ‘X’ as a gender identifier, review specific border guidelines to make sure this won’t cause a problem.
Organize and share your travel documents.
Bring along two printed copies of your flight confirmations, hotel details, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tickets, and any other information confirmations. Share a copy (printed or digital) with someone you trust back home, just in case.
Make sure you’re up to date on any vaccines you’ll need for India travel.
Talk with your healthcare provider about vaccines for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid, as well as possibly Hepatitis B and Rabies. If you’re at high risk, they may also recommend vaccinations for Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis.
Plan your schedule carefully to prevent altitude sickness.
India has areas with very high altitude, and the lower air pressure can mean there’s less oxygen available. It can take your body three to five days to acclimate to the altitude, so when you’re planning your travel itinerary, remember not to go too high, too quickly.
Make time for exploring India
Even if you’re determined to attend as many ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup warm-ups and matches as possible, take full advantage of being in India and make a list of places you’d like to explore.
Have a plan for using your phone internationally.
It’s expensive to roam on your regular phone plan when you’re in another country, and carrier travel plans often charge $20/day even if you barely use your phone abroad. So consider installing an India eSIM (digital SIM card) so you can connect to local networks right in India starting at just $4.50/week. You can even use your regular cell phone number (with Data Roaming toggled off) so you can still call and text while you’re in India.
What to expect from India weather in October and November
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is taking place during India’s dry season, so it’s going to be much more comfortable than visiting in the height of the hot summer months. You can expect an average temperate of about 74°F or 23°C, making for pleasantly warm days and cooler evenings.
What to wear at the Men’s Cricket World Cup in India
India is mostly conservative, and it’s important to dress in a way that’s respectful. Make sure your shoulders, cleavage, and thighs are always covered up, and loose-fitting clothes are a better bet than anything tightly fitted. (If you wear tight jeans, make sure you pair them with a loose, long top.)
It’s going to be about 74°F or 23°C on average, so if you find yourself getting warm easily, you may want to make linen or linen-blend clothing that will help you stay cool. Flowing, lightweight clothing in layers is always a safe bet in India.
And, of course, team gear is always popular at the Cricket World Cup. Show off your team pride with a branded T-shirt or sweatshirt, and you’ll arrive in style.
Avoid roaming charges in India
Just like with any international trip, it’s important to avoid roaming charges while you’re away … and that starts with changing your phone’s settings before you leave your home country.
We have a guide that explains exactly how to set your phone for international travel, so it understands that it isn’t allowed to ‘roam’ on your home plan while you’re in India. (We’ll also show you how keep your regular phone number available, or temporarily disable your regular phone number, depending on your preference.)
Transportation tips for attending the Cricket World Cup
Some Cricket World Cup attendees will be using a chauffeur service to travel between match venues and get back to their hotel as quickly and comfortably as possible, but others will be using public transportation to get from Point A to Point B. Do your research ahead of time on a site like Moovit to input the stadium locations and figure out the best way to get around India during the Cricket World Cup.
Must-try foods while you’re visiting India
India is packed with vibrant flavours and regional specialties to sample, but the India travel experts here at aloSIM have narrowed it down to three favourites:
Dosas: These thin pancakes with potatoes inside accompany tasty dishes like hot sambar. Delicious and filling!
Butter Chicken: It’s a classic for a reason. Indulge in a mild curry made with chicken, silky smooth tomato sauce, cream, onion, and butter.
Dhokla: Typically served with fried chilli and coriander chutney, dhokla is a local favourite!
Why it’s handy to have data while you’re in India
Whenever you’re travelling, it’s helpful to have affordable mobile data on your phone so you can request an Uber, check a map, message with friends, make a restaurant reservation, check a schedule, or video-call with family back home. While data can be expensive if you organize it through your carrier back home, it’s much cheaper when you install a digital India SIM card and connect to a local network.
How to use your phone in India at the Men’s Cricket World Cup
🇮🇳 Download the free aloSIM app
🇮🇳 Shop prepaid India data packages
🇮🇳 Install your eSIM on your phone
🇮🇳 Activate your data package
🇮🇳 Avoid roaming charges in India
