A recent survey conducted by Wise unveils the growing excitement among Indian travellers for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with 44% expressing eagerness to attend matches live. The survey, titled “Playing on a Global Stage: Cricket, Community, and Money Habits,” polled over 1,000 participants in India in April 2024 to examine cricket's impact on connecting Indians with their global communities.The survey highlights cricket's surprising power to unite Indians across the globe, with discussions and matches serving as the top ways to stay connected with family and friends overseas. Sharing recipes, sending money, and music recommendations also play significant roles in fostering connections, reflecting the importance of shared experiences as the number of Indians with international loved ones continues to rise.

Financial ties further strengthen these bonds, with 55% of respondents sending money abroad monthly for various purposes such as gifts, education, and daily expenses. The survey underscores the role of cricket tournaments like the T20 World Cup in reinforcing international connections, with 72% of respondents believing that the tournament fosters stronger bonds with US-based loved ones.

The upcoming T20 World Cup is a major factor driving international travel among Indian cricket enthusiasts, with 44% expressing a willingness to travel abroad for matches. Star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to make significant impacts, with 54% of fans predicting an Indian victory.

Shrawan Saraogi, APAC Head of Expansion at Wise, emphasises the significance of cricket in uniting Indians and their loved ones abroad. He highlights Wise's role in facilitating international financial transactions and advises travellers to consider exchange rates, hidden fees, and transaction speeds when sending money abroad.

Despite frequent international money transfers, the survey reveals a lack of awareness regarding exchange rate markups and hidden fees, with 88% of respondents expressing unawareness. This underscores the need for clearer fee structures and exchange rates in financial transactions.

To celebrate the T20 World Cup and highlight cricket's unifying power, Wise has partnered with The Grade Cricketer for a road trip across America. The partnership aims to showcase the ease of managing finances internationally with Wise while promoting cricket as a cultural connector.

With cricket serving as a powerful force in connecting Indians globally, the upcoming T20 World Cup promises to be an exciting event that not only unites fans but also strengthens international bonds.

For more information about Wise and its services, visit www.wise.com.