In recent years, fans have often spotted their cricket players attending the prestigious Wimbledon. In the ongoing edition of the Grand Slam tennis tournament, cricket stars, including Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sachin Tendulkar, Joe Root, and more, were seen enjoying the tennis contests. But while cricketers are frequently seen at Wimbledon, their presence at FIFA World Cup matches is often rare.
Why do cricketers make an appearance at Wimbledon?
Wimbledon is a traditional tournament held annually in London and is the oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam event in tennis. Its history, along with a mix of elite sport and celebrity attention, makes it a must-visit occasion for global icons, including cricketers
Unlike the football World Cup, Wimbledon is often scheduled in a more relaxed and repeated window for cricketers, especially when their national teams are on tour in England or on a break from any cricketing commitments.
During the 2025 edition when several Indian players were spotted at Centre Court in the middle of the ongoing Test series against England. With matches scheduled from June 30 to July 13, Wimbledon matches well with the English summer, a packed cricketing season in the UK. Wimbledon also attracts celebrities from sports, cinema, business, and even royalty to the Royal Box. The All England Club has become an event that celebrities often attend if their schedules permit.
Why are cricketers not seen in FIFA World Cups?
Meanwhile, one of the main reasons cricketers are rarely seen at the FIFA World Cup is scheduling. Wimbledon is held every year in late June and early July, months during which cricketing tours often bring teams to England. On the other hand, FIFA World Cups occur once every four years and are hosted across different parts of the world
Schedule of last three FIFA World Cups:
2014 (Brazil): June 12 to July 13
2018 (Russia): June 14 to July 15
2022 (Qatar): November 20 to December 18
Scheduling challenges for cricketers during FIFA World Cup
While the summer editions of 2014 and 2018 clashed directly with the international cricket calendar, the 2022 edition took place in winter due to extreme temperatures in Qatar. With India’s schedule tightly packed year-round, including home series, tours, and franchise leagues like the IPL, it becomes difficult for cricketers to make time for a global footballing event that demands international travel and planning.
Attending FIFA matches is not always feasible due to timing, location, and logistical concerns. Most FIFA editions have taken place in countries with no cricketing venues, making travel unlikely during India’s active season. However, many cricketers have shown their love and respect for football stars and support clubs passionately. Players often speak about how footballers have inspired their mindset and discipline.
![[Watch] ENG vs IND 2025: Mohammed Siraj pays heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota in Lord's Test](https://cricketmood.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PTI07-11-2025-000283B-1_1752242377078_1752242395435.jpg "[Watch] ENG vs IND 2025: Mohammed Siraj pays heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota in Lord's Test 6"){kind=small}
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