The 2023 World Cup served as a major driver of economic growth for India, contributing a staggering USD 1.39 billion (INR 11,637 crore) to the country’s economy, according to a report released by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC’s Economic Impact Assessment, conducted by New York-based Nielsen, was based on data provided by the global cricket body and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which hosted the tournament.
The World Cup, held from October 5 to November 19, 2023, across 10 cities—Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune—saw Australia claim the title after defeating host nation India in the final. The report highlighted that direct investments from the ICC and BCCI, along with stadium upgrades by state cricket associations, resulted in significant benefits to various Indian industries.
A record 1.25 million spectators attended the matches, with 75% experiencing a Men’s 50-over World Cup for the first time. The report also noted that 55% of international visitors had previously travelled to India, while 19% were first-time visitors, drawn to the country by the tournament.
International visitors to tourist destinations generated an economic impact of USD 281.2 million, while the overall pan-India effect of the World Cup was USD 253.9 million.
The tournament also created more than 48,000 full- and part-time jobs in sectors directly involved in organising the event, as well as in industries like hospitality, which alone contributed USD 18 million in value to the economy.
Media exposure for host cities through branding, city shots, and mentions provided an additional impact worth USD 70.7 million. Furthermore, revenue generated from accommodation, travel, transportation, and food and beverage services during the World Cup amounted to USD 861.4 million.