Personally, the world of cricket is as exciting as watching senior citizens engaged in a heated match of curling on a cruise ship. I was never able to give in to the cricket madness shared by the rest of the Indian subcontinent.
For most people who don’t regularly follow the sport, their focus is more on spectacle, simplicity, and social pull, rather than applied tactics and combined stats.
So, we spoke to a few cricket fans in the community about their thoughts on the matter and why this might just be the most opportune moment for everyone to tune in.
What makes this format at a global tournament so attractive to casual viewers?
Short games reduce the gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams, creating more unpredictability. One exceptional performance can change a match, or even a tournament.
Combined with national pride, global fanbases, packed stadiums, and high-pressure knockout games, the tournament becomes a global spectacle.
How do you compare the significance of a World Cup to league play?
Franchise leagues may showcase talent, but World Cups stand for something far greater: national identity, pride, and legacy.
Here, players don’t compete for contracts or rankings; they play for their country, their history, and generations of fans. World Cups create moments that live forever.
Even today, those moments remain etched in our memories. They aren’t just highlights. They are pieces of history. No franchise trophy carries the same emotional weight as lifting a World Cup for your nation.
Is there real competition if giants like India keep dominating?
Upsets are common because T20 remains one of the most competitive formats, and cricket is a very unpredictable game; anything can happen on any day.
In the past, smaller teams have beaten giant teams many times, proving that reputation alone doesn’t guarantee success. Out of nine T20 World Cups, India has won two so far.
The population and size of the country don’t make a team giant on the field; “smaller” countries also have very talented players. The brevity of matches also allows underdogs to challenge giants, ensuring genuine competition.
Let’s hope the tournament delivers some big surprises and dramatic turnarounds. Also, this time, India is a co-host, so fans have higher expectations from our team.
What would you say to someone watching cricket for the first time in 2026?
Don’t worry about understanding everything immediately, just enjoy the energy.
Watch how momentum changes quickly, how crowds react to every boundary and wicket, and how pressure affects players. T20 cricket is designed to be exciting, accessible, and emotional.
If you enjoy drama, skill, and unpredictability, the T20 World Cup is a perfect place to start.
Which part of the game do you think casual viewers underestimate the most?
The mental aspect. In any elite level of performance, athletes require the ability to block out all the noise and zero in on the task at hand.
Imagine a projectile traveling toward you at speeds that could shatter your bones, with only a fraction of a second to calculate, decide, and execute your response or reaction, making every delivery a highly anticipated event.
I was never very good at physics, mathematics, geometry, or trigonometry, nor did I like them very much. What I realised as I got older and I understood those subjects better was that my brain and body were together performing and executing complex calculations that I consciously could never understand.
Do World Cups still hold greater significance compared to year-round leagues?
In ancient Greece, during the Olympics, winners were awarded a sacred olive branch wreath, symbolising high honour, rather than monetary prizes, though they often received rewards from their home cities.
I believe that playing for your country will always mean more than playing for a paycheque. I was fortunate enough to hold the 2003 World Cup (it was on tour), and an overwhelming joy filled me; to this day, I consider myself fortunate for the opportunity that so few have had.
Cricket is second only to football or soccer in popularity, with 2.5 billion fans. Sports have always been a means to build bridges amongst nations despite their differences.
Through competition, mutual respect is earned and shared. When you play for the country, you play for the fans, the people who supported your journey, allowing you to pursue your dreams.
Not to say that there is anything wrong with franchise cricket because it creates opportunities for so many young new talents that perhaps might not get the opportunity to play for their country.
What’s your take on the competition?
The sporting landscape is changing. Teams like Afghanistan and Nepal provide strong evidence that newer cricketing nations can go toe to toe with the big boys.
Also, women’s cricket is on the rise, with Thailand ranked 11th in ODIs and 12th in T20 in the world. Thailand is currently playing the T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in Nepal.
And to think the women’s team journey only began in 2007. If we were to compare their ascension to other teams in and around the world, it is nothing short of remarkable.
The ladies also achieved success with two gold medals in the 33rd SEA Games that were held in Thailand in December 2025.
Why are audiences more likely to watch a T20 World Cup than a regular ODI or Test? What makes it so attractive?
T20 fits modern life. Three hours, clear result, and constant action. There is no slow build over five days.
Every over feels like something might explode. A wicket. A 20-run over. A last-ball finish. It feels intense from start to finish.
Now add the World Cup factor. It is not just two teams playing a bilateral series. It is nations, flags, anthems, and pride.
Even people who do not follow cricket all year suddenly care because it feels like a global event. Lose once or twice, and you are in trouble. That urgency makes it compelling.
Also, in T20, underdogs have a real chance. The shorter format increases unpredictability, and unpredictability keeps people watching.
Why do World Cups still matter in an era of franchise leagues?
Franchise leagues are about skill and entertainment. World Cups are about identity.
In leagues, players switch teams every season. In a World Cup, you are representing your country and its history. The emotional weight is different.
Careers are remembered for World Cup performances. World Cups are also rare. That scarcity makes them special.
League tournaments happen every year. A World Cup comes around far less often, so the stakes feel higher.
Is the competition actually fair? On paper, yes. Everyone plays by the same rules. In reality, not completely.
Some countries have deeper talent pools, better infrastructure, and stronger domestic systems. That creates an advantage for the major cricketing nations.
However, the T20 format narrows the gap. In Test cricket, quality usually shows over five days. In T20, one innings or one spell can change everything.
That is why upsets happen more often in this format.
What would you say to newcomers watching this World Cup?
Do not worry about understanding every rule immediately. Watch the rhythm of the game.
Notice how momentum shifts. Listen to the crowd when a wicket falls, or a six clears the boundary.
Pay attention to how captains move fielders and how bowlers change pace. Cricket is not just about scoring runs.
It is about timing, pressure, and decision-making. One over can completely change the direction of a match.
If you stay with it, you will start to see the patterns and the tension that make it addictive.