 "India had defeated New Zealand by a 4-1 scoreline in a five-match T20I series right before the T20 World Cup. PTI")
As India gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final, a wave of excitement has swept across the country, with fans travelling thousands of kilometres, special trains being arranged and prayers being offered for the national team ahead of the clash with New Zealand national cricket team in Ahmedabad.
All roads are leading to the Narendra Modi Stadium, where India will take on New Zealand on Sunday. With airfares soaring and tickets becoming scarce, Indian Railways has stepped in to help fans reach the city by announcing special trains from several parts of the country.
Special trains for fans
Responding to the surge in travel demand, Indian Railways announced a special train from New Delhi to Sabarmati, departing at 11:45 PM on Saturday. The 19-coach train, equipped with 3rd AC and 2nd AC coaches, was introduced after flight ticket prices surged and seats became difficult to find.
Another special superfast train has also been launched from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai to Ahmedabad to allow cricket fans an affordable journey to the final.
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View All“I had booked the tickets two weeks in advance. I was very confident India would reach the final. As soon as the final tickets were out, I booked them,” said a fan travelling to Ahmedabad.
Fans, saints offer prayers for Team India
The excitement is not limited to stadium-bound fans. Across the country, special prayers and rituals are being performed for the Indian team’s success.
At the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, saints performed havans and chanted mantras while carrying posters of Indian players and the national flag.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Varanasi and Kanpur, where children from cricket academies and local residents conducted special rituals ahead of the high-stakes final.
Ahmedabad turns cricket capital
Hotels and flights to Ahmedabad have seen an unprecedented surge in demand as fans from across the country flock to the city.
Airfares from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have skyrocketed due to the rush. Officials said the travel surge reflects the scale of excitement surrounding the final.
The stadium, which can host more than 1.3 lakh spectators, is expected to be packed to capacity.
India reached the final after defeating England national cricket team in the semi-final, while New Zealand secured its place after beating South Africa national cricket team.
Star-studded closing ceremony
Before the first ball is bowled, fans will witness a grand closing ceremony featuring global and Indian music stars.
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin is set to perform alongside “Dandiya Queen” Falguni Pathak and Punjabi singer Sukhbir.
The musical show, organised by the International Cricket Council, will see the crowd groove to Martin’s iconic hit Maria before the toss.
This will be the second time India plays a World Cup final in Ahmedabad. The last occasion came during the 2023 Cricket World Cup Final, when Australia national cricket team defeated India to lift the trophy.