From May 30th to July 14th, London and many other cities in the UK will become hotspots for some of the best cricket teams in the world, battling it out for the title of world champion.
After several years of ODI games and test matches, the ten international cricket teams will use the UK as a stage for dozens of riveting matches. With a whole host of London hotel special offers making your city stay a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of what to expect from this year’s Cricket World Cup.
Whether you’re staying at the Devonshire Hotel Paddington for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s plenty of cricketing excitement for you to get involved in over June and July.
Competing teams
There are ten teams playing in this year’s Cricket World Cup, down from the previous World Cup which featured 14 teams.
These teams have had to compete against many others in qualifying rounds which were held throughout 2017 and 2018. The top seven teams – Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and India – automatically qualified via ICC One Day International Rankings, whilst Afghanistan and West Indies qualified in 2018 during their qualifying matches held in Zimbabwe.
Cricket stadiums in London
If you’re visiting London with the intention of watching World Cup matches hosted in the city, you’ll be faced with a wealth of options when it comes to affordable accommodation in the stadium’s surrounding areas.
Kia Oval
The Kia Oval is based in the Oval area of South London and is one of the most popular cricket stadiums in the South East.
With a capacity of around 25,500 spectators, the home grounds of the Surrey County Cricket Club will be hosting five matches overall, including the opening match between England and South Africa. Kia Oval is easily reachable by Oval Tube station on the Northern Line or Vauxhall Tube Station on the Victoria Line.
Lord’s Cricket Ground
Lord’s Cricket Ground is one of the most historic cricket grounds in the world, spanning back over 200 years. As the ground for Middlesex County Cricket Club, the stadium can hold up to 28,000 spectators and will be hosting another five matches during the World Cup, including the final. Located near St John’s Wood Tube station on the Jubilee Line, Lord’s is based in North West London.
Cricket events in London
If you haven’t managed to get a London cricket ticket during your stay in the city, fear not! There are plenty of other events you can take advantage of whilst the World Cup sweeps the nation.
Opening ceremony
Although the randomised ticket ballot is now closed, you can still enjoy the Cricket World Cup Opening Party from the comfort of your home.
Taking place at the Mall in Central London, this buzzing opener will see the cricket teams parading down the streets while guests enjoy live music, drinks and entertainment throughout the evening. See you there!
Trophy tour
Another way to get a real feel of the World Cup is by following the tour of the World Cup Trophy. After to the end of a 100-day tour of the country, the trophy will finally come to rest in London on the 29th of May, where you can find it at Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square screenings
And whilst we’re on the subject…Trafalgar Square will be hosting big screen showings of the World Cup final, with its own Fan Zone set up from the 12th to the 14th of June.
