Fans expressed their disappointment as the opening match of the ICC World Cup between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad saw a significant number of empty seats. Despite efforts by the ICC and BCCI, the stadium, which can hold up to 1.3 lakhs, remained sparsely filled.
World Cup 2023: How to Watch ENG vs NZ 1st Match Live Streaming?
Ticket sales for the World Cup have been a cause for concern, with even the official ticket partner, BookMyShow, seen selling tickets on the day of the match. To boost attendance, the BJP invited 30,000 to 40,000 women from Ahmedabad to watch the game. These women received tickets and additional amenities.
Yamal Vyas, a spokesman for the Gujarat BJP, clarified that while the party did not specifically mobilize women for the match, they welcomed their attendance. Despite this, efforts at the party level were not made to ensure their participation.
Cricket fans expressed their dismay at the large number of unoccupied seats. Some criticized the ICC and BCCI for the poor attendance, suggesting that hosting nations should open the World Cup to ensure a full house.
India, as host, will begin their World Cup campaign in a highly anticipated match against Australia at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. However, ticket sales for matches not involving India have reportedly been slow.
There have been questions about the marketing and promotion efforts of both the ICC and BCCI, especially in Ahmedabad. Additionally, ticket availability has been limited, with sales only starting a month prior to the tournament, and electronic ticketing not being an option.
The length of the competition and visa restrictions for residents of neighboring countries have further impacted attendance. Pakistan, for instance, is unable to send supporters or journalists due to visa issues.
Reports suggest that a grand opening ceremony planned for the Narendra Modi Stadium was cancelled last minute. Instead, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar presented the trophy, marking the start of one of the biggest tournaments in sports with a subdued beginning.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration at the low turnout for such a significant event.
https://twitter.com/UsamaAwan136147/status/1709851723005845561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1709851723005845561%7Ctwgr%5Eeb7674af8adcf6de27eb9aa31a7ff7a07420b9e9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidesport.in%2Fempty-stands-fans-lash-out-after-icc-bcci-fails-to-attract-fans-in-world-cup-opener%2F
Disappointed to see the empty chairs of World Cup Opening Match in world largest stadium.. BCCI failed to fulfill the stadium despite of Distribution of Free Tickets with Lunch and Tea Coupons#ICCCricketWorldCup #ICCWorldCup2023 #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/94EMTcf8i8
— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) October 5, 2023
Really hope the Stadium gets filled a bit by evening.
The World Cup opener deserves more public on the stands! pic.twitter.com/oDknm9qEGD
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 5, 2023
A complete empty stadium in Ahmedabad, is India the right place to host the WC?? https://t.co/pPijiwPzQc pic.twitter.com/Chd3loiF14
— Ahsan 🇵🇰🇵🇸 (@Ahsan_Shehzad_) October 5, 2023
