Low Turnout Dampens ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Opener: Fan Discontent Grows

What Led to the Disappointing Crowd at Ahmedabad?

Desk Report:

The excitement revolving around the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, held in the cricket-loving nation of India, has been eclipsed by an unexpected sight – the vast number of vacant seats at the renowned Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This grand cricketing event, anticipated to draw enormous crowds, commenced on a subdued note, with only a fraction of the stadium’s enormous capacity being occupied.

Waiting for the India v Pakistan game 😁 https://t.co/RBNOR2JDtt

— Jemimah Rodrigues (@JemiRodrigues) October 5, 2023

Factors Contributing to the Low Turnout

Delayed Ticket Sales and Last-Minute Changes

Cricket enthusiasts, both in India and across the globe, have expressed their dismay and frustration over the underwhelming attendance at this high-profile event. The Narendra Modi Stadium, with a staggering capacity of over 120,000, stood in stark contrast to the reality, as only a few thousand spectators filled its seats.

One significant factor that contributed to this lackluster turnout was the scheduling and ticketing process. The initial batch of tickets became available just six weeks before the tournament’s opening match, causing substantial inconvenience for traveling fans. This abrupt release left Indian cricket aficionados, who had eagerly awaited the event on their home turf, disheartened and perplexed by the chaotic ticketing procedure.

How does the most populated country in the world have an empty stadium for the opening game of the World Cup for the country’s most loved sport? Ridiculous. #CWC2023 #india pic.twitter.com/vg35JCA4JQ

— Adil Ray OBE (@adilray) October 5, 2023

The Absence of the Indian Cricket Team

The absence of the Indian cricket team in the inaugural match might have played a pivotal role in the disappointing attendance. This marked the first time in 27 years that the tournament opener did not feature the host nation. The absence of an enthusiastic home crowd was palpably felt throughout the game.

Notably, former India captain Ravi Shastri highlighted this indifference from local fans during the match commentary, emphasizing India’s absence as a major contributing factor. Ironically, this situation mirrored the past, as the last time such an event occurred was during a previous World Cup hosted by India.

Legit a bigger crowd for the first World Cup game (also between these two teams, also in Ahmedabad) in 1996 #CWC23 https://t.co/qM5nsxuPRx pic.twitter.com/PODp3vj7VP

— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) October 5, 2023

Social Media Reverberates with Discontent

As England and New Zealand battled it out in this highly anticipated clash, the glaring rows of empty, saffron-colored seats couldn’t escape the attention of cricket enthusiasts. They took to social media platforms to express their astonishment and disappointment. England’s women’s cricketer, Danni Wyatt, captured the prevailing sentiment with a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), asking, “Where’s the crowd?”.

Maybe it wouldn't have been this embarassing if you hadn't started ticket sales at the last minute repulsing fans who wanted to travel from NZ/ENG, hoarding tickets and then giving them away for free as a way to save face at the last minute.

You can build the biggest stadium.… pic.twitter.com/6WO7UCdrTJ

— Manya (@CSKian716) October 5, 2023

The Unconventional Opening

In a break from tradition, the tournament’s opening was devoid of a grand ceremony, featuring heads of state and vibrant performances. Instead, it was inaugurated through a captains’ news conference held a day before the first match. This departure from the norm did not go unnoticed among fans who remembered the extravagant opening ceremonies of past tournaments.

Opening ceremony canceled, scheduled changed numerous times, ticketing issues, visa delays for participating team, warm up to be played behind closed doors due to security, completely empty stadium in the opening match, is India really the right venue to be hosting global event?

— Osama. (@ashaqeens) October 5, 2023

Hope for Hyderabad

As the tournament shifts to the bustling city of Hyderabad, there’s optimism that the turnout will be more spirited. Pakistan’s arrival in India for their match has generated excitement and hope for larger crowds at the 39,000-capacity Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Despite decades of tense relations between the two nations, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, expressed his belief that Indian fans would support them.

Nothing will match the 2011 world cup opening ceremony in Bangladesh.. it was a vibe🔥❤️ https://t.co/Sm0j6UDVcM

— Fahid Bin Zaman Chowdhury (@FahidCho) October 5, 2023

In conclusion, the underwhelming attendance at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 opener has raised pertinent questions about the organization and promotion of this prestigious tournament. While fans hope for a resurgence in the forthcoming matches, it’s evident that the absence of a grand opening ceremony and India’s non-participation in the first match have significantly impacted the atmosphere surrounding this cricketing spectacle.

A warm welcome in Hyderabad as we land on Indian shores 👏#WeHaveWeWill | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/poyWmFYIwK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 27, 2023