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Following Cricket From the Gulf: The Best Seat in the House

Why Gulf-based fans get the most convenient cricket schedule in the world, across almost every major competition.

Gulf Standard Time is arguably the single best position in the world for following cricket. Subcontinental fixtures land in the afternoon and evening, and the Gulf itself regularly hosts major tournaments.

IPL matches, subcontinental bilateral series and most major tournaments all fall in comfortable local hours. Australian cricket is the early-morning exception, and English summer cricket lands in the afternoon and evening, which is also convenient.

For anyone following both football and cricket, the Gulf position is close to ideal across both sports, which is part of why the region's appetite for sports content is so high relative to its population.

Key points

Subcontinental fixtures land in convenient local hours
The Gulf regularly hosts major tournaments directly
English summer cricket also lands conveniently
Australian cricket is the early-morning exception

Frequently asked

What time do IPL matches start in the Gulf?

Evening subcontinental fixtures land in the late afternoon or early evening in Gulf Standard Time, which is very convenient.

Is Australian cricket watchable from the Gulf?

It is early morning, which is the least convenient of the major cricket calendars from the region.

Does the Gulf host cricket itself?

Yes, the region has hosted major tournaments and continues to host significant fixtures.

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Following Cricket From the Gulf: The Best Seat in the House

Key points

Frequently asked

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