New Delhi: It’s amazing to see how Cricket as a game has evolved, and so has the fan experience. Back in the day, following the Indian team was more about the passion and the journey. But now, fans have the means to make it a truly luxurious experience.

We are seeing a surge in demand for premium packages. People want more than just a ticket.

They want VIP access, exclusive meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes tours. It’s like they are not just watching a match; they are living the experience.

And it’s not just about the match itself. The entire travel experience is becoming a luxury.

People are willing to splurge on premium flights, high-end hotels, and exclusive dining experiences. It’s a full-blown sports tourism industry now.

This shift has also impacted the way we engage with our fans. We are constantly exploring new ways to make their experience more personalized and memorable. Whether it’s through exclusive merchandise, virtual reality experiences, or personalized fan clubs, we are always looking to push the boundaries.

For example, we have partnered with high-end travel agencies to curate bespoke travel packages that include everything from flight tickets and hotel bookings to stadium transfers and match tickets. These packages are designed to cater to the needs of the most discerning fans, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

The rising spending capacity of fans is also driving innovation in the sports industry. We are seeing more and more stadiums investing in state-of-the-art facilities, such as premium lounges, gourmet dining options, and virtual reality experiences. These advancements are further enhancing the fan experience and justifying the premium prices.

But, while it’s exciting to see fans invest more in the sport, we must also be mindful of the core values of the game. It’s important to balance commercialization with the passion and spirit that has always defined cricket. We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their budget, can enjoy the game and feel connected to the team.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a sustainable and inclusive fan experience that benefits both the fans and the sport. By striking the right balance between commercialization and fan engagement, we can continue to grow the sport and inspire future generations of fans.

About The Author: Rakesh was born in London in 1974 and was destined to fall in love with the game from a very early age. Over the last 25 years, Rakesh has led what in the early years was just a bunch of hardcore Indian Cricket fans who shared the same passion for the game, to growing one of the largest sporting fan clubs in the world.

It was during the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1999 where Rakesh met 3 like minded individuals
that shared the same passion and love of the game and where post this tournament The Bharat Army was born.

Swashbuckling Cricketer, Krunal Pandya along with his family visited Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.

He offered prayers, had darshan of Lord Mahakal from ‘Jal Dwar’.

Stating Ujjain visit, as a booster for him and his family, Krunal said “Lord Mahakal always enlightened him with power and right path.”

Stories spanning sporting culture, passion and athlete struggles, will headline the various sessions planned with authors and athletes, during the upcoming sixth season of the Ekamra Sports Literature Festival (ESLF), the largest sports literary gathering of its kind in Asia. The sixth ESLF is scheduled on 23^rd November, 2024, at the Indian Habitat Centre in the national capital and will reiterate the cultural impact of sports in shaping successful life journeys.

Prime among those is sure to be an inspiring session by author, producer and sportswriter Sarah Gearhart, who will talk about her experiences in Kenya in context of her book We Share the Sun: The Journey of Patrick Sang and Kenya’s Legendary Runners.

Also featured at this year’s ESLF will be famous Chess chronicler Peter Doggers’ book, The Chess Revolution, which will examine the sport’s recent meteoric rise in the digital age and its impact on popular culture.

“I am very excited to be coming to India. I know it is a land of ancient culture and therefore books will naturally be much cherished. It is no surprise that some of the world’s greatest authors are from India and I am looking forward to meeting many knowledgeable people and exchanging notes, besides enjoying the famous Indian cuisine and hospitality,” remarked Sarah from New York.

Peter Doggers too expressed excitement about his impending India trip saying, “Well it is the land where the game was first played and it is like a pilgrimage for me.”

Several other live and online sessions of equal passion and intrigue are also planned at the sixth ELSF, including one on cricket’s fanaticism in India. The sixth ESLF will conclude in the evening with the Ekamra Sports Book Awards, with several top sports titles published over the past year, in the reckoning.