Cricket in Iceland: The Story of Indian Food Box and Our Love for the Game

Cricket in the Land of Fire and Ice

When people think about Iceland, they usually think about volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches and the Northern Lights. Cricket is rarely the first thing that comes to mind.

Yet hidden among the lava fields and snowy mountains is one of Europe’s most unique cricket communities — a community built by passionate volunteers, dedicated players and people who simply refused to believe that cricket could not grow in Iceland.

At the heart of that journey stands Indian Food Box. For us, cricket is not just a marketing tool. It is part of our identity, our story and our connection with the wider international community in Iceland.

A Personal Journey: Abhi, Jakob Robertson and the Dream of Iceland Cricket

My name is Abhishek Chauhan, founder of Indian Food Box. Long before Indian Food Box opened its doors in Reykjavík, cricket was already a huge part of my life.

Years ago, together with my good friend Jakob Robertson and many passionate volunteers, we shared a simple dream: help cricket grow in Iceland.

At the time, cricket was still a small sport in the country. Facilities were limited, resources were limited, and players often had to make sacrifices simply to keep the game alive. But what the community lacked in resources, it made up for in heart.

Week after week, season after season, people continued to show up because they loved the game. Together, we worked to promote cricket, recruit players, organise matches, support clubs and help build a cricket culture in one of the most unexpected cricket destinations in the world.

How Indian Food Box Became a Cricket Home

When Indian Food Box was founded in Reykjavík in 2020, our mission was simple: serve authentic Indian food prepared with care, honesty and warmth.

As the restaurant grew, something special happened. It naturally became a gathering place for cricket lovers. National team players visited. Club players visited. Volunteers visited. Tourists looking for cricket conversations visited.

Slowly, Indian Food Box became one of the places where Iceland’s cricket community came together. What started as a restaurant became a meeting point. What started as customers became friendships. What started as meals became memories.

Meet Cricket Players in Iceland

One of the most unique things about Indian Food Box is the community around it. Current and former players, club officials, volunteers, supporters and cricket enthusiasts regularly visit our restaurants.

For visitors interested in cricket, Indian Food Box provides a rare opportunity to connect with people who actively play, promote and support the sport in Iceland.

Many great cricket discussions have started over a plate of biryani, a butter chicken or a cup of chai.

Watch Cricket in Iceland

Looking for a place to watch cricket in Iceland? Indian Food Box is a place where cricket is always welcome. Whether it is the IPL, Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, Test Cricket or India vs Pakistan, cricket fans can feel at home with us.

Our Hamraborg location in Kópavogur also includes a bar, making it a great place for sports fans to gather during major tournaments and international matches.

• IPL in Iceland
• ICC Cricket World Cup
• T20 World Cup
• India vs Pakistan
• Test Cricket
• Women’s International Cricket

Great Cricket Deserves Great Food

Cricket and Indian food have always been connected. At Indian Food Box, guests can enjoy some of Iceland’s favourite Indian dishes while talking about the game they love.

• Chicken Biryani
• Butter Chicken
• Dal Makhani
• Samosa Chaat
• IFB Dhaba Chicken
• Fresh Naan Bread
• Paneer Specialities
• Desi Lamb Nihari

Many of our guests first visit for the food. Many return because of the community. The combination of authentic Indian food and a shared love for cricket has created something very special.

Why We Continue Supporting Cricket

Supporting cricket is not always easy. It takes time, money, effort and commitment. Most importantly, it takes people who genuinely care.

The rewards, however, are incredible. We have seen players develop, clubs grow, Iceland compete internationally and friendships form that would never have happened without cricket.

That is why Indian Food Box continues to support the game. Cricket has given so much to our community, and we are proud to give something back.