The much-anticipated ICC World Cup 2023 kick started on Tuesday, unfolding at the world’s largest cricket stadium located in India’s Ahmedabad.
Surprising, the inaugural match between England and New Zealand failed to live up to the pre-tournament hype, as the alarming empty stadium stood out in the pictures.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, which has a 132,000 spectators capacity, will host three pivotal matches of the tournament. Among the most eagerly awaited fixtures at India’s colossal stadium are the clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on October 14 and the grand finale scheduled for November 19.
Currently, the stadium in Ahmedabad looks empty for the World Cup opener. Hope it gets gradually filled up after office hours.pic.twitter.com/VsBCZahnwg
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) October 5, 2023
16 overs end in #CWC23 opener and still empty stadium 😬🏟️#ENGvNZ #ICCCricketWorldCup pic.twitter.com/R4IH6AHUxb
— bdcrictime.com (@BDCricTime) October 5, 2023
The renovation on the venue was completed in 2021, after which the stadium hosted a day-night Test between India and England, as well as the last two IPL finals.
Despite the Modi government’s endeavours to attract cricket enthusiasts, the barren strands on the tournament’s opening day left a disheartening impression on fans.
Seriously what a shame… Empty stadium on the opening day of World cup.
Embarassing. https://t.co/TzovQBYXqx— Aman (@lefty_here_) October 5, 2023
The empty Narendra Modi Stadium paints a sad picture. And Book My Show was showing sold out for every match when the booking opened up. Lol. Lack of transparency in ticket sales has made everyone involved a laughing stock. #CWC23 #ENGvNZ
— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) October 5, 2023
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