Rohan Chowdhury in Leeds
From the IPL to the Premier League and the Championship, fans of every sport gathered for one reason at the Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds: to enjoy a good game of cricket. The first Test match in the five-match series between England and India is underway, and after Day 3, the match stands in a fifty-fifty situation, with a rain scare looming in the prediction.
Yet, beyond the cricketing action, it’s the spectators who have brought the ground alive. Despite its relatively modest capacity of around 20,000, Headingley has seen nearly full stands on each of the three days so far, reflecting the love and energy fans bring to the game.
IPL Spirit in Leeds
Even though IPL 2025 wrapped up over a month ago, its spirit was still visible in the stands. Two English gentlemen were spotted sporting jerseys of the Mumbai Indians and the Rajasthan Royals. Vince, proudly donning the Royals shirt, said, “I went to Mumbai last year and caught a game at the Wankhede. I got myself the Royals jersey and picked up the Mumbai one as a gift for Chris.” Laughing, he added, “Since India is playing, we thought it’d be fun to wear IPL shirts.”
The IPL references didn’t stop there. Two die-hard Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans held a sign that read: “We did it with RCB. We’ll do it with India. Jai Hind.” The message resonated with the crowd — after all, India hasn’t won a Test series in England since 2007. As RCB broke their 18-year title drought, these Bengaluru natives, now living in Leeds, are hopeful that India can break their own jinx on English soil.
From Merch to Munchies
A merchandise stall inside the stadium caught the eyes of many. It featured an array of England kits — Test, ODI, T20, along with travel gear, caps, and more. Interestingly, an Indian ODI jersey was also up for grabs. Prices ranged between £40 and £75.
The food and drink scene was lively too. Pints of Pimms and beer, albeit priced steeply at £10–13, flowed freely. Nearly every one of age had a glass in hand. Well, almost everyone—not me!
Indian street food was also on the menu. From pakoras and chaat to “British-style” biryani, the offerings were filling if not entirely authentic. Around £15 could get you a decent meal, though budget options were also available.
From Kerala with Love — and a Message
A group of Indian fans from Kerala made their presence known with a heartwarming placard: ‘SANJU FANS KERALA’. “We miss you Sanju (Samson). Wish you were here. We would have enjoyed more”, they said, when asked about their message. Their intent stood out among the chants and cheers, reflecting the affection fans hold for their favourites.
Cricketing Camaraderie: A Global Crowd
Harry, an Ireland native now living in London, arrived wearing his Ireland cricket jersey. “I used to play cricket growing up, and summer games like these are just great to watch,” he said. Despite the historic tensions between England and Ireland, Harry emphasised how sport bridges divides: “We didn’t have Test cricket back home, so for that format, we looked up to England — but not in other sports,” he added with a grin.
His neutral view didn’t prevent him from offering some analysis: “India’s got a new, young lineup — lots of IPL talent. Shami’s absence is felt, and apart from Bumrah, the bowling looks a bit thin. But the batting has been solid — they’re not really missing Kohli or Rohit.”
Birmingham to Leeds — In Support of Cricket
Charlie, from Birmingham and a proud supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers, offered a distinctly English view. “Football’s more of a daily routine here. It’s all year round. Cricket is a summer thing — more relaxed, more of a social affair,” he explained. Although he didn’t own an England jersey, he cheekily admitted, “I do have an India one, but I probably shouldn’t wear it now!”, as he took a gulp in the glass in his hand.
Barmy Army, Nintendo, and Scooby Doo
The iconic Barmy Army was in full swing at the Western Terrace — quite literally. Four of its members showed up in Nintendo Super Mario costumes, leading chants, jokes, and waves that kept the crowd buzzing. It was chaos — but the good kind.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was a group of friends from Oxford, who arrived in full costume. Ethan, dressed as Scooby Doo, said, “We came to Leeds for the weekend, spent the night here, and are now just enjoying the cricket.” A columnist for BBC Oxford, Ethan, shared his thoughts on India’s team: “They’re young and exciting, and Bumrah has been electric. Though I still think England might take the series, this Indian side is a breath of fresh air.”
As for the costumes? “It was first-come, first-served,” laughed the friend dressed as Fred Jones.
Gully Cricket at Headingley
In the middle of the match inside the stadium, a small group of fans — six to seven people, including a young child and a middle-aged man – the varied age range — decided to have their own match. Armed with a rubber ball and an autograph bat, they played an impromptu game of gully cricket on the concourse. Laughter, playful appeals, and the occasional cheer made for a delightful parallel spectacle, reminding everyone that for fans, cricket isn’t just to be watched; it’s to be played, anywhere, anytime.
A Carnival of Cricket
Overall, it was a jolly and colourful afternoon at Headingley. From street food to stadium songs, jerseys to jesters, the crowd ensured every ball bowled had a heartbeat behind it.
Just as the energy reached a crescendo, the weather made its presence felt. Rain began to fall in the evening, fortunately, only after the stumps. But with forecasts predicting showers on Day 4, the game might face a few interruptions.
Still, if the first three days are any sign, it’s clear that Headingley isn’t just hosting a Test match. It’s hosting a festival.
