Even before India’s place in the T20 World Cup final on March 8 is confirmed, Mumbai’s cricket fans are already plotting their journey to Ahmedabad, with groups from Matunga, Dadar, Mulund and Kandivli locking in tickets, trains and hotels weeks in advance to beat price surges and secure seats at the world’s largest stadium.
Cricket-crazy couple Urvi and Darshak Trivedi from Kandivli
From long-time club teammates at Matunga Gymkhana to families planning father-son outings, the final has become more than a match; it is a carefully planned trip built around loyalty, tradition and the fear of missing out if India makes it.
The Matunga Gymkhana group plan
Manan Vora and Jay Maru during the India-Pakistan match in Sri Lanka. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Club
Youngmen’s Cricket Club
Home ground
Matunga Gymkhana
Plan
Morning train, lunch, match, night return
Goal
Watch the final together as a long-standing cricket group
Multi-city followers
The Vile Parle quartet, who have made advanced bookings
Some fans are already tracking India across venues
Cities covered
Chennai, Kolkata, Sri Lanka matches
Tickets secured
Flights and trains to Ahmedabad are booked in advance
India-or-nothing fans
Group from Vile Parle
Tickets, flights and hotel already booked
Fan rush in numbers
Father-son duo Sachin and Aryaman Sheth
12 tickets
Booked by members of the Youngmen’s Cricket Club
25 years
Many in the group have played together at Matunga Gymkhana
1-day trip
Morning Vande Bharat to Ahmedabad, match, Duronto back
Multiple suburbs
Fans travelling from Matunga, Dadar, Mulund, Kandivli and Borivli
Weeks in advance
Flights, trains, and hotels are already booked
Family outings
Father-son trip
Sachin Sheth is travelling with son, Aryaman
Couple plan
Urvi and Darshak Trivedi booked early to avoid fare spikes
Reason
Experience an ICC final in India, regardless of teams
What fans are saying
Jigar Bauva,
‘We booked instantly and will go even if India doesn’t make it. For us it’s like a one-day picnic, but we hope to see India lift the trophy’
Darshak Trivedi,
‘As sports supporters, we want to experience an ICC final regardless of the teams. Prices shoot up once India as finalists are confirmed.’
Vishal Merwana,
‘If India doesn’t make it, I’ll cancel everything. Watching a final without India would be heartbreaking’
Sachin Seth,
‘It took some time to get the tickets online, but it’s a relief now. Even if India is not in the finals, we will still watch the match’
