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From snacks and drinks to setting the mood, cricket in India is a religion, and watching the T20 World Cup is mandatory. Here’s how you can be a fun host.
If you are hosting friends for a T20 cricket watch party, ensure you play good host with snacks, beverages and decor
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is back, and you can feel the excitement in the air. Friends are already getting into arguments over which team will win, people are picking sides, and jerseys of India and other top teams are slowly taking over wardrobes and streets. With fans from across the globe travelling to India and Sri Lanka for the tournament, the buzz feels bigger than ever.
But celebrations truly feel more fun when you call your friends over to watch together, laugh at the near misses, and celebrate the big wickets as a group. Not all of us are lucky enough to get stadium tickets for every match, so creating that match-day experience at home becomes the next best thing. Hosting a watch party is a simple way to bring all that energy under one roof. Here are four simple ways to make your match-day watch party a hit.
Get the Screen Right and Seating Sorted
First things first, make sure everyone can watch the game. Nothing kills the vibe faster than everyone crowding into one corner and missing a big catch or a sudden wicket. If you have a big TV, that’s great for smaller groups. For larger gatherings, a projector can give you a mini stadium feel at home. Options like the Portronics Beem 470 Smart LED Projector or WZATCO Yuva Go Android 13.0 Smart Projector are budget-friendly and easy to set up, while models such as the Crossbeats Lumex Solis 4K Ultra HD Smart Mini Projector, XGIMI Horizon Ultra Projector, or BenQ TK710 4K UHD Home Cinema Laser Projector offer sharper visuals for a fuller watch-party experience. Close the curtains, dim the lights, and place the screen at eye level so even friends sitting on the floor get a clear view. Once the screen is sorted, think about seating. Leave enough space to move, cheer, and argue freely. And when the debates get heated, keep the screen a little away from flying elbows so the match doesn’t end with a broken TV.
Stock Up on Easy Snacks and Drinks
Nothing keeps the energy up like snacks within arm’s reach. Go for quick bites that don’t need constant attention, so no one misses a wicket. Popcorn, loaded nachos, dips, samosas, cutlets, fries, and finger foods work well for live match viewing. The STTEM 2.0 Report by Godrej Yummiez states that 51% of Indians consume frozen snacks while watching TV, OTT or mobile content, making at-home screen time one of the biggest snacking occasions in the country. Having something hot and ready in minutes makes mid-over munching even easier. Options like Godrej Yummiez chicken nuggets or crispy chicken fit right into this mix, keeping everyone snacking without stepping away from the screen. Pair it all with soft drinks or chilled beer, keep everything within reach, and you’ve got a setup that lets everyone stay glued to the screen from the first ball to the final over.
Amp Up the Game Vibes
Little touches make a big difference in bringing the stadium feel home. Team flags, jerseys, or even a few banners can instantly get everyone in the mood. Good quality speakers help capture the commentary, crowd noise, and those big moments, making the match feel more immersive. Soft room lighting or dim lights around the screen can also add to the atmosphere without distracting from the game. Play the team anthems or pre-match commentary to build excitement, and if someone insists on doing their own victory dance after a six, let them – it only adds to the fun. These small touches turn an ordinary living room into a space that feels like part of the action.
Keep the Energy Up Between Overs
Even during quiet moments in the match, you can keep everyone engaged. Set up quick games like predicting the next wicket, guessing the next boundary, or a mini trivia round about players and past matches. Cheering contests, friendly debates on team strategy, or picking a “man of the match” early on also keep conversations flowing. If you have some space, small challenges like a fastest catch or accuracy throw can add to the fun during time-outs. These little extras keep everyone involved, spark laughs and friendly arguments, and make sure the energy stays high right until the next ball is bowled.
February 07, 2026, 21:17 IST
