The ICC World Cup 2023 opening game between England and New Zealand kicked off to a nearly empty Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (October 5)
This encounter was highly anticipated as a rematch between the two teams following the dramatic World Cup final in 2019, where England claimed their maiden World Cup victory amidst significant controversy.
Surprisingly, cricket enthusiasts in India appeared disinterested in this marquee clash, resulting in poor ticket sales.
The almost-empty stadium during the World Cup opener didn't sit well with cricket enthusiasts worldwide, and they voiced their frustrations:
You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.
— Somesh Agarwal (@someshagarwal22) October 5, 2023
This is what happens when you try to create artificial demand. Ahmedabad did not deserve marquee neutral games. https://t.co/fd1r6CImuS
Tickets for today's World Cup opener in Ahmedabad are still available online. But more than 80% seats (in grey) seem to be unavailable or sold out. Did everyone decide not to show up? What's happening? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WX0zWa6q1z
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) October 5, 2023
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
Root and Buttler batting in front of Ahmedabad crowd: pic.twitter.com/9RQIkYnZIV
— yang goi (@GongR1ght) October 5, 2023
. But for games not featuring Bharat, there should be free tickets for school and college children. With the fading interest in 50 over game, it will definitely help that youngsters get to experience a World Cup…
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 5, 2023
The scorching heat in Ahmedabad further contributed to the low turnout for the England vs New Zealand game.
The World Cup 2023 will span 45 days, featuring 10 stadiums and 49 games from October 5 to November 9.
Anticipation is high for larger crowds as the tournament progresses toward the knockout stages.
It is expected that matches involving the Indian cricket team will draw packed stadiums.