The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup was not only a thrilling spectacle of sporting action but also a massive economic success for India. According to an Economic Impact Assessment conducted by Nielsen, the tournament generated a remarkable USD 1.39 billion (INR 11,637 crores) for the Indian economy. This figure underscores the sheer scale of cricket’s influence, extending far beyond the boundaries of the pitch.
Boost to Tourism and Hospitality
The largest chunk of this economic windfall came from tourism, which accounted for USD 861.4 million. The tournament attracted a substantial influx of domestic and international visitors to the host cities. These tourists spent generously on accommodation, food, beverages, transportation, and other services. For instance, over 1.25 million spectators flocked to stadiums across the country, making it one of the most-attended World Cups in history. Of these, a significant portion—nearly 75%—were attending an ICC 50-over match for the very first time.
The presence of international visitors had an additional ripple effect, with nearly 68% of these attendees expressing that they would recommend India as a tourist destination. This positive sentiment contributes to the long-term enhancement of India’s image as a global tourism hub, a benefit that will likely continue long after the tournament ends.
Job Creation and Local Economy Growth
Beyond tourism, the World Cup provided substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities. The event was responsible for creating over 48,000 full-time and part-time jobs. Many of these positions were within the tournament’s delivery infrastructure, while others sprang up in the booming hospitality sector, which was pushed to capacity by the influx of visitors.
The retail sector also reaped the rewards, as fans enthusiastically purchased World Cup merchandise, souvenirs, and other related items. The collective retail and hospitality revenue pushed the event’s secondary economic contributions to over USD 515.7 million, representing about 37% of the total economic impact.
Media Exposure and Long-Term Benefits
The World Cup also brought significant media exposure to India and its host cities. With countless mentions across global media outlets, brand sponsorships, and visuals of the event shared worldwide, India’s stature as a premier destination for international sporting events has been significantly enhanced. The tournament generated a media impact worth USD 70.7 million through branding, city imagery, and other media integrations.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice highlighted the broader significance of the event, emphasizing how it showcases the economic potential of cricket: “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has demonstrated the significant economic power of cricket, generating economic benefit for India. It created thousands of jobs and showcased India as a premier tourist destination.”
Future Prospects for Sports Tourism
The successful hosting of the 2023 ODI World Cup has left a lasting legacy on India’s sports tourism landscape. Not only has it demonstrated the nation’s ability to organize large-scale global events, but it has also shown the potential for continued growth in tourism and hospitality through sports. With India’s growing prominence as a destination for international sports, other major events are likely to follow, further contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity.
This massive success of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has proven that cricket is not just a game in India—it’s a powerful economic engine. Through its capacity to unite fans, foster tourism, and generate revenue, cricket continues to be an essential force in India’s economic and social fabric.