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  • Writer's picturePratik Dodhia

Beyond the Pitch: Unveiling the Economic Legacy of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023

The 2023 Cricket World Cup, beyond being a thrilling sporting event, had a far-reaching impact on India's economy, acting as a catalyst for various sectors and contributing significantly to the nation's economic growth. Here's how the tournament played a pivotal role in boosting the Indian economy. Let's break down the potential impact of these projections on the economy:





Ticket Sales:

  • Expected Revenue: Rs. 1,600-2,200 crores

  • Stadium Attendance Assumption: Varied for each match, with all India games at 100% attendance.

This revenue stream directly benefits the host cities by attracting visitors and stimulating local businesses in hospitality, transportation, and entertainment.


Viewership and Broadcast Rights:

  • Expected Total Viewership Increase: Far larger than the 2019 World Cup (552 million Indian viewers)

  • Projected Revenue: Rs. 10,500-12,000 crores

The surge in viewership not only benefits broadcasting networks but also generates advertising revenue. This revenue trickles down to various sectors like media, advertising, and content production. It also enhances India's global visibility, potentially attracting more investments and partnerships in the long run.


Sponsorship and TV Rights:

  • Estimated Revenue: Rs. 10,500-12,000 crores on a conservative basis

  • Includes: Official broadcast rights for digital and TV mediums, and revenue from marquee sponsors for advertisements during the event.

While these rights usually span longer durations and encompass multiple events, the World Cup serves as a major trigger for these deals. This revenue injection stimulates the sports industry, promoting investment in sports infrastructure, academies, and related businesses. It also contributes to the growth of the advertising and media sectors.


Travel Expenses:

  • Estimated Cost: Rs 250 crores

  • Includes: Teams, umpires, commentators, and their support staff travelling across different cities.

The projected spending by both foreign and domestic tourists, as well as local attendees, during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, presents a substantial economic impact. Let's break down the estimated spending and its implications:


Foreign Tourists:

  • Estimated Spending: Rs. 450-600 crores

  • Assumption: 1,000 tourists per match

Domestic Tourists:

  • Estimated Spending: Rs. 150-250 crores for interstate travel, hotels, and food

  • Assumption: Travel expenses incurred by domestic tourists visiting venues

Local Attendees:

Estimated Spending: Rs. 300-500 crores on fuel costs and expenses related to attending matches in the same city


Economic Impact:

  1. Hospitality and Tourism Revenue: Foreign and domestic tourists contribute significantly to the hospitality sector, spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and shopping. This spending directly benefits hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and retail outlets, boosting local economies in host cities.

  2. Fuel and Local Spending: Local attendees incur expenses related to transportation within the city, such as fuel costs or public transportation fares. Additionally, they spend on food, beverages, and other match-related expenses, supporting local businesses.

There was an attendee split of 40% hometown, 40% intercity and 20% international

Event Management, Gig Workers, and Security:

  • Estimated Expense: Rs. 750-1,000 crores

  • Components: Event management costs, payments to gig workers (volunteers), and security expenses throughout the tournament.

These costs contribute to the local economy by employing event management firms, and gig workers, and ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the tournament. This expenditure generates income for various service providers and professionals involved in organizing the event.


Purchase of Sports Memorabilia and Merchandise:

  • Estimated Spending: Rs. 100-200 crores

  • Includes: Sales of sports memorabilia and merchandise related to the Cricket World Cup.

The sale of sports memorabilia and Cricket World Cup-related merchandise adds to retail revenue. It benefits businesses selling these items and supports the sports merchandise industry.


Additional Spending:

Screenings at Restaurants, Cafes, and Home Viewers Ordering Food:

  • Estimated Spending: Rs. 4,000-5,000 crores

  • Involves: Expenditure by viewers watching matches at restaurants, cafes, and home viewers ordering food through apps during the entire duration of the event.

The significant spending by viewers at restaurants, cafes, and through food delivery apps during match screenings creates a surge in revenue for the hospitality and food service industries. This includes purchases of food, beverages, and related services, generating substantial economic activity.


The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to significantly impact India's economy across various sectors. Projections suggest a windfall of approximately ₹4,500 crore for the media and entertainment industry, while retail sales could surge by up to ₹2,500 crore. Additionally, the food and beverage sector anticipates generating around ₹1,500 crore in revenue. Beyond the numbers, this global sporting event fosters unity and excitement, creating economic ripples and a sense of shared celebration among fans nationwide.


As the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 finale between India and Australia approaches on November 19, sources in the advertising and media buying realm report a significant surge in the cost of a 10-second advertisement spot to ₹35 lakh. Indigo Airlines incurred a 20% increase in flight bookings and this was the most attended ICC event with 12.5 lakh spectators on the ground.


The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India stands as a beacon of investment prospects across multiple sectors. This global event has not only captivated millions of cricket enthusiasts but has also unfurled a tapestry of opportunities for astute investors. Infrastructure development beckons, with stadiums, hospitality, and transportation facilities ripe for investment, given the surge in tourism and viewership. The media and entertainment industry, riding on an anticipated windfall, presents enticing prospects for broadcasting networks, content creators, and advertising agencies aiming to capitalize on heightened post-event momentum. Retail businesses specializing in sports merchandise hold promise, leveraging the fervor and engagement of ardent fans during and after the tournament. Meanwhile, the hospitality, technology, and food sectors signal significant growth potential, poised to accommodate increased demands for accommodations, innovative tech solutions, and dining experiences. Event management services and security firms, crucial for flawless operations, reflect avenues for investment in ensuring seamless future mega-events. Ultimately, the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India not only celebrates sporting excellence but also unfurls a canvas of investment opportunities, inviting visionary investors to partake in the country's burgeoning economic growth.





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