ICC World Cup 2023: Crowd watch

[ex-q-zit]

I suspect the 130k is something like a concert capacity or probably something silly like if they took out all the screens and filled in the sight screens/ground access points with additional seating. The fact that both the designers involved with the construction of the stadium list it at 110k and there have been sold out games at the ground with an attendance below 110k show pretty clearly that the capacity for cricket is not 130k.

In 2022 IPL final the attendence was 1,01,566. So does that mean the capacity was 1 lakh? Remember there are many tickets that are not sold and given to the franchises, GCA members, BCCI members, sponsors etc.

For a moment even if we consider the capacity as 110000 it is not a small number. Even if 50k will attend it it will seem empty.

But I agree about one thing which is the Ahmedabad stadium was a bad choice for a non-India match. With the severe heat in the afternoon, teh spectators need to arrive at the stadium 2-3 hours before the match due to heavy security which means spend almost 10 hours. If it was bangalore or mumbai the stadium would appear as full. As the tournament proceeds non-India matches which have a bearing on India's fortunes may get more attendence especially in the 2nd innings.

 

[U$ofA]

I suspect the 130k is something like a concert capacity or probably something silly like if they took out all the screens and filled in the sight screens/ground access points with additional seating. The fact that both the designers involved with the construction of the stadium list it at 110k and there have been sold out games at the ground with an attendance below 110k show pretty clearly that the capacity for cricket is not 130k.

110k or 130k, does not matter. Because the level of interest is 0k. Indians just don't seem to be interested or care.

We are into day 3 and probably less the 10k fans in totality for the all the games have shown up. People don't seem to give two hoots about this WC.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Michael Vaughan is not happy with empty stands in India.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710611148800741422

 

[cricketjoshila]

The stadium profile from the people who designed it: https://populous.com/project/narendra-modi-stadium

The BCCI also boasted a sold out IPL final with an attendance of just under 110k.

Populous was only one of the designers.

L and T were the other designer and the builder.

When the stadium opened it was 132000.

Everyone reported it as 132000.

This agenda pushing is obnoxious.

 

[WengerOut]

Looks like Delhi stadium is filling up for SL v SA as sun is going down. Or is it some sort of VFX at the request of evil BCCI ??

 

[cricketjoshila]

I suspect the 130k is something like a concert capacity or probably something silly like if they took out all the screens and filled in the sight screens/ground access points with additional seating. The fact that both the designers involved with the construction of the stadium list it at 110k and there have been sold out games at the ground with an attendance below 110k show pretty clearly that the capacity for cricket is not 130k.

What you suspect isn't the official word or of any use.

The official capacity is 132000. And as per latest figures it has been augmented to 134000.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Really weird, between the builders of the stadium and the current Indian government I would choose the stadium builders then. Besides the builders would probably benefit more by saying that it seats 130k so no point in underselling it.

Builders are L and T.

Populous were just joint designers. L and T were the other designer.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Correct, Larsen and Toubro also played a part in the design and construction of the stadium. As with Populous they have only ever stated the capacity as being 110k:

View attachment 137169

If you believe the capacity is 132k then I'd love to know your explanation for the sold out IPL final at the stadium with an attendance of just over 100k.

You've been given clear proof that the attendance figures announced by the ICC aren't based on the amount of people currently in the ground. If you want to ignore that then that's on you.

What proof? Your opinion isn't proof.

Whether capacity is 110k or 132k, IPL final at 101000 wasn't full house. So no explanation needed.

Just like the 2015 WC was called sold out but actual attendance was 93K.

May be MCG isnt a 100k stadium.

 

[HitWicket]

What proof? Your opinion isn't proof.

Whether capacity is 110k or 132k, IPL final at 101000 wasn't full house. So no explanation needed.

Just like the 2015 WC was called sold out but actual attendance was 93K.

May be MCG isnt a 100k stadium.

The fact that attendances figures have been announced in the first innings/have been consistent throughout the game is proof that the attendance figures aren't a count of however many people came through the gates during a game.

It's bizarre that you aren't willing to believe the stadiums own designers on its capacity.

The MCG isn't a 100k seater anymore. It can hold more than 100k for a concert/other events but for a cricket game it cannot seat 100k people.

 

[kingusama92]

The real issue isn't the seating capacity of a stadium or even the Indian fans themselves.

Both the BCCI and ICC have done a poor job of organizing the tournament. This includes the visa process for international fans (shoddy planning when it's known the IND govt makes things difficult), scheduling, ticket pricing, and the process of acquiring tickets.

I think a market like India should be able to fill the stadiums for neutral games as long as the event is thoroughly planned.

 

[HitWicket]

The real issue isn't the seating capacity of a stadium or even the Indian fans themselves.

Both the BCCI and ICC have done a poor job of organizing the tournament. This includes the visa process for international fans (shoddy planning when it's known the IND govt makes things difficult), scheduling, ticket pricing, and the process of acquiring tickets.

I think a market like India should be able to fill the stadiums for neutral games as long as the event is thoroughly planned.

Agreed that this is the largest issues here.

 

[Devadwal]

Delhi

 

[WengerOut]

Delhi
View attachment 137184

This is augmented reality

 

[heddie19]

What proof? Your opinion isn't proof.

Whether capacity is 110k or 132k, IPL final at 101000 wasn't full house. So no explanation needed.

Just like the 2015 WC was called sold out but actual attendance was 93K.

May be MCG isnt a 100k stadium.

MCG is 92K

 

[Devadwal]

MCG is 92K

Wrong .100K is capacity of MCG

MCG - Stadium Stomp

The MCG the venue for Stadium Stomp in Melbourne, Australia. It has a seating capacity of 100,024. That’s a lot of seats, which means a lot of stairs.

www.stadiumstomp.com

 

[HitWicket]

Wrong .100K is capacity of MCG

MCG - Stadium Stomp

The MCG the venue for Stadium Stomp in Melbourne, Australia. It has a seating capacity of 100,024. That’s a lot of seats, which means a lot of stairs.

www.stadiumstomp.com

This is the capacity for AFL where sight screens are not needed and there's also a certain amount of standing room.

 

[jnaveen1980]

There were some mess ups in ticket distribution.

 

[Devadwal]

There were some mess ups in ticket distribution.

Definitely

 

[boomboomcheema]

More than a decent crowd at Delhi today. The opening match was a terrible move. Fixed the opening match between two neutrals in the largest stadium just for the sake of it.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

It's 122365.43.

That's the capacity now be quiet please.

 

[heddie19]

for cricket it is 92K, I read it somewhere

 

[MenInG]

This pic doing the rounds showing Kotla stadium as very full

 

[boomboomcheema]

Looked packed in the match videos also. What else can you expect from a neutral crowd.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Looked packed in the match videos also. What else can you expect from a neutral crowd.

It's the weekend. Also , Saffers like Miller , Rabada, QDK are popular and have enough star power to bring crowds .

 

[WengerOut]

This pic doing the rounds showing Kotla stadium as very full

Not full, but certainly a decent crowd for a neutral game.

 

[hass]

The attendances have been an utter disgrace. ODI and the 50 over World Cup does not deserve to survive when delivering such pathetic numbers. Shocking from the organisers.

 

[hass]

Only you seem embarrassed by it. This is gonna be a much better World Cup than England can ever hope to have. And that's despite the pathetic organising .

You can take any venue in India and it won't have much of a crowd on a hot afternoon on a weekday.

Neither England nor NZ are enough of a draw to get that.

Lol that’s a joke. England had a magnificent World Cup one of the best in history despite the rain issues. The most balanced conditions for cricket out there compared to these batting paradises in completely empty stadiums in India. This World Cup is a flop so far.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Lol that’s a joke. England had a magnificent World Cup one of the best in history despite the rain issues. The most balanced conditions for cricket out there compared to these batting paradises in completely empty stadiums in India. This World Cup is a flop so far.

Balanced World Cup where the 2nd game finished in 35 overs or so with Pakistan getting bounced out for 105.


Where the 3rd game ended in 45 overs .

And then flat where BD scored 330.

Yeah , at a similar stage , the cricket has been much superior in this World Cup .

 

[Suleiman]

Michael Vaughan is not happy with empty stands in India.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1710611148800741422

If this is the case in the most (cricket) crazy country of the world then cricket really is dying…

 

[Kriketer]

Balanced World Cup where the 2nd game finished in 35 overs or so with Pakistan getting bounced out for 105.


Where the 3rd game ended in 45 overs .

And then flat where BD scored 330.

Yeah , at a similar stage , the cricket has been much superior in this World Cup .

Let's be honest, World Cup feel like a World Cup in England. In India it's been quite similar to West Indies or South Africa where neutral games don't get much of attendance, which is terrible to see for a cricket loving nation.

England World Cup or any multination tournament there are simply fantastic and India or any other country just can't match the buzz, excitement and crowd following that England holds during such tournament.

 

[hass]

If this is the case in the most (cricket) crazy country of the world then cricket really is dying…

Yes and people need to wake up and realise the state of this sport and this format in particular. Only England, Australia and maybe South Africa can promote, organise properly and bring in the crowds. Even on a weekend the Indians didn’t turn up for a neutral game. The organisers have flopped completely. The subcontinent is not viable.

These flat decks for 50 overs and 2 new ball rubbish rules need to go. 400 scores are a joke. Give something to the bowlers and bring back skill to the game.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Yes and people need to wake up and realise the state of this sport and this format in particular. Only England, Australia and maybe South Africa can promote, organise properly and bring in the crowds. Even on a weekend the Indians didn’t turn up for a neutral game. The organisers have flopped completely. The subcontinent is not viable.

These flat decks for 50 overs and 2 new ball rubbish rules need to go. 400 scores are a joke. Give something to the bowlers and bring back skill to the game.

Spot on. Bring back the character, value of ODI by removing most flat decks, 2 balls and other things that has been metioned many times.

And bring the purpose of ODI, by no longer having Bilateral ODIs, removing the ODI WC, and instead have a 13-team World ODI Championship (13 teams for div 1), that spans two years, with a 3-match semi-final, and final for top 4. relegation, relegation play-offs

and an ODI series can only be 3-matches from now on, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Let's be honest, World Cup feel like a World Cup in England. In India it's been quite similar to West Indies or South Africa where neutral games don't get much of attendance, which is terrible to see for a cricket loving nation.

England World Cup or any multination tournament there are simply fantastic and India or any other country just can't match the buzz, excitement and crowd following that England holds during such tournament.

Lol ok man. Keep drinking that kool aid. This is gonna be greater than any CWC in the past.

 

[vprasanna83]

 

[BouncerGuy]

The crowd will come into the stadium for the India vs. Australia game today in Chennai, no doubt about that. We might see a houseful or something near to that.

 

[Kriketer]

Lol ok man. Keep drinking that kool aid. This is gonna be greater than any CWC in the past.

I know after 100k attendance of India Pak game next weekend Indians will say O look most successful WC.

Anyone disputing that England isn't the best place for WC or any multi national cricket tournament is only fooling himself. Not everything has to be about India. England has better crowd, much better pitches, much better overall buzz, and live cricket watching experience for both spectators and TV audience is simply brilliant.

 

[Saj]

Still a lot of empty seats for the huge clash between India and Australia today.

I guess it will fill up later.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I know after 100k attendance of India Pak game next weekend Indians will say O look most successful WC.

Anyone disputing that England isn't the best place for WC or any multi national cricket tournament is only fooling himself. Not everything has to be about India. England has better crowd, much better pitches, much better overall buzz, and live cricket watching experience for both spectators and TV audience is simply brilliant.

England's crowds and stadiums are just about decent, pitches are absolute *hit and there won't be anywhere near the buzz that big matches in India will create and anyone who disputes that are usually Brits , who have no understanding of the ODI game in the first place .

 

[Iamcoolwhiz]

I know after 100k attendance of India Pak game next weekend Indians will say O look most successful WC.

Anyone disputing that England isn't the best place for WC or any multi national cricket tournament is only fooling himself. Not everything has to be about India. England has better crowd, much better pitches, much better overall buzz, and live cricket watching experience for both spectators and TV audience is simply brilliant.

Yeah, all hail amazing brits... This colonial mentality is so ingrained in desis that we just self sabotage our own progress.

 

[Major]

England's crowds and stadiums are just about decent, pitches are absolute *hit and there won't be anywhere near the buzz that big matches in India will create and anyone who disputes that are usually Brits , who have no understanding of the ODI game in the first place .

Which stadium u been to in england?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Which stadium u been to in england?

Not talking about facilities . I'm talking about atmosphere , pitches etc.

 

[Major]

Not talking about facilities . I'm talking about atmosphere , pitches etc.

Bro have you been to a stadium in england?

 

[FearlessRoar]

The official attendance at Chepauk is 32531. The official capacity of the MA Chidambaram Stadium is 38,000. So, India playing on a Sunday against a team that has won multiple World Cups in one of the venues where cricket is much loved and it's not a full house.

 

[vprasanna83]

The official attendance at Chepauk is 32531. The official capacity of the MA Chidambaram Stadium is 38,000. So, India playing on a Sunday against a team that has won multiple World Cups in one of the venues where cricket is much loved and it's not a full house.

I just got out of Chepauk , and I can tell you that there was not a place for even a fly to sit .
The capacity is sometimes misleading , as space is often lost in some special arrangements. Today was a full house for sure

 

[nish_mate]

Bro have you been to a stadium in england?

Yes mate been, and unless you are in the hospitality boxes, beer Qs are too long, beer's tepid, and toilets are pathetic post mid match. Lords couple of stands are allright, but an absolute pain with tube over crowding, Oval's much better.

Outside of London, Edgbaston's pretty good, but parking sometimes can be a pain, Trent Bridge parking's absolute cr*p, Leeds best getting a cab to, Old Trafford in 2019 had temporary stands which were meh, Southampton parkings pretty decent.

Coincidentally Lords is the only ground that allows you to take C2H5OH.

 

[Kriketer]

Yeah, all hail amazing brits... This colonial mentality is so ingrained in desis that we just self sabotage our own progress.

That's rather a naive comment. Nothing to do with colonial mindset, that's such a childish thing to say when we are merely talking about cricket competitions in different nations. Don't know why Indians feel hurt to any opinion that doesn't go per their liking. Cricketing world generally agrees that England is a top cricketing host, you can't really dispute that, be it atmosphere for even neutral games, attendance, varying pitches etc.

 

[nish_mate]

That's rather a naive comment. Nothing to do with colonial mindset, that's such a childish thing to say when we are merely talking about cricket competitions in different nations. Don't know why Indians feel hurt to any opinion that doesn't go per their liking. Cricketing world generally agrees that England is a top cricketing host, you can't really dispute that, be it atmosphere for even neutral games, attendance, varying pitches etc.

Yes England is number one I agree in terms of crowds for all games, England playing or not, but then not sure if that pleases the Brexit crowd or not..

After all when the Brits left from their colonies, they didnt expect the colonised to follow them all the way back to England (cant take credit for that line) and hence the full houses for most ODIs. For tests it depends on who's touring- Ashes are bound to be full houses, rest is so so.

However England is also the one nation where rain is omnipresent.

In terms of varying pitches, not really that's a bit of myth, post 2015 and England white ball ascendacy most England pitches are flat.

 

[ChennaiFan]

Heard from people who were at the Chepauk stadium today. The crowd's excitement was not as same as that for the T20 cricket. It is hard to take for me personally, as I like ODIs better than the T20Is. But it is what it is.. the trend is changing.

 

[Chip32]

Yes and people need to wake up and realise the state of this sport and this format in particular. Only England, Australia and maybe South Africa can promote, organise properly and bring in the crowds. Even on a weekend the Indians didn’t turn up for a neutral game. The organisers have flopped completely. The subcontinent is not viable.

These flat decks for 50 overs and 2 new ball rubbish rules need to go. 400 scores are a joke. Give something to the bowlers and bring back skill to the game.

Australia has poor crowds for neutral games in 2015 as well, and let’s not forget the failure that the 2022 T20 WC was in terms of crowds.

Cricket is simply a dead sport.

 

[ali_ed2006]

Heard from people who were at the Chepauk stadium today. The crowd's excitement was not as same as that for the T20 cricket. It is hard to take for me personally, as I like ODIs better than the T20Is. But it is what it is.. the trend is changing.

But that is expected right given how fast moving a T20 match is.

 

[ChennaiFan]

But that is expected right given how fast moving a T20 match is.

Yes, that is true. People get the results quickly, and with the same 10 wickets, teams play T20 more aggressively.

ODI cricket needs revamping definitely.

• Reduce the impact of the toss - Splitting the games into multiple innings per team could help.
• Currently, overs 10-40 are dragging - How do we make the viewers engaged during this period?
• Tournament ODIs have context. But the bilaterals are boring. Can we kill all the bilateral ODIs?

 

[ArabKnight]

No crowd watch for today?

 

[W63L35]

Indian fans whole heartedly agree that the quality of cricket is of much higher quality in IPL than this WC .... so they decided to stay home and wait for next edition of IPL.

 

[emranabbas]

i thought it was a full house with Netherland supporters and then realised its the orange chairs

 

[ArabKnight]

i thought it was a full house with Netherland supporters and then realised its the orange chairs

Netherlands can’t even get a row of seats to show up in their home ground.

 

[Savak]

This WC has been disastrous so far from a crowd attendances point of view. Some people are complaining that it is still too warm to play cricket in India right now. The crowds would have been much better if the tournament was held in England, Australia, South Africa

 

[giri26]

The problem has always been there in India. India has lots of grounds but only major test venues can always fill up stadiums. Chennai always gets crowd. I remember in 1998 I went to watch Kenya vs Bangladesh game in Chennai and we had decent crowd even though there was no India and the two teams weren't that strong. We will also have decent crowds in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata for even neutral games but other stadiums in some cities like Ahmedabad can only fill stadiums if India is playing. I felt that the opening game should have been played in Mumbai or Kolkata instead of Ahmedabad. It is all fine having lots of grounds but that does not mean all cities have cricket crazy people who will watch non-Indian games.

This is the same conversations we have been having for Test matches in India where when we play in some non-conventional venues, the grounds are empty. But BCCI is bound to give these centres games but the local authorities don't care to fill the stadiums as tickets are not the way they make money.

Also many of these stadiums are so far out of the city that people just don't want to take the effort. For example in Chennai, the ground is right in the middle of the city and easier for people to get to the game. That forms a major factor as well.

 

[Aman]

Let's be honest, World Cup feel like a World Cup in England. In India it's been quite similar to West Indies or South Africa where neutral games don't get much of attendance, which is terrible to see for a cricket loving nation.

England World Cup or any multination tournament there are simply fantastic and India or any other country just can't match the buzz, excitement and crowd following that England holds during such tournament.

This!

This tournament has given me WI/SA WC vibes with the empty stadiums and dead vibe.

 

[emranabbas]

I wouldn't expect too much crowd in neutral games in India pakistan Sri Lanka or Bangladesh compared to England Australia Dubai USA or even South Africa due to lot of immigrants in the latter countries from India pakistan Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

 

[ArabKnight]

The problem has always been there in India. India has lots of grounds but only major test venues can always fill up stadiums. Chennai always gets crowd. I remember in 1998 I went to watch Kenya vs Bangladesh game in Chennai and we had decent crowd even though there was no India and the two teams weren't that strong. We will also have decent crowds in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata for even neutral games but other stadiums in some cities like Ahmedabad can only fill stadiums if India is playing. I felt that the opening game should have been played in Mumbai or Kolkata instead of Ahmedabad. It is all fine having lots of grounds but that does not mean all cities have cricket crazy people who will watch non-Indian games.

This is the same conversations we have been having for Test matches in India where when we play in some non-conventional venues, the grounds are empty. But BCCI is bound to give these centres games but the local authorities don't care to fill the stadiums as tickets are not the way they make money.

Also many of these stadiums are so far out of the city that people just don't want to take the effort. For example in Chennai, the ground is right in the middle of the city and easier for people to get to the game. That forms a major factor as well.

I think Ahmedabad would be able to get decent crowds in the final if India doesn’t make it.

BCCI will try their hardest to ensure it doesn’t look empty.

 

[U$ofA]

This!

This tournament has given me WI/SA WC vibes with the empty stadiums and dead vibe.

Will the ICC learn from this and look for host(s) elsewhere? Or will they just keep giving it to BCCI?

I think the later will happen. Do the same thing and expect different results!

 

[DeadlyVenom]

This doesn't really feel like a world cup. People just aren't too interested in neutral games of cricket.

Perhaps joint hosting is the way forward? Maybe further research is needed to see if smaller groups create more interest vs one large league stage.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I agree. having more than one host country for the World Cup would be good because it would let more countries participate and showcase their cricket culture. It would also make the games more fun because the players would have to deal with different kinds of grounds and weather.

 

[boomboomcheema]

This doesn't really feel like a world cup. People just aren't too interested in neutral games of cricket.

Perhaps joint hosting is the way forward? Maybe further research is needed to see if smaller groups create more interest vs one large league stage.

If this match was played in Dhaka, it would be full house. First time BCCI wanting to host everything on its own and it's a flop. All hosts get full crowd for their matches is the way to go..

 

[Asad T]

The crowd is looking good today. They have come out in large numbers, they have been vocal and quite supportive. Hopefully it continues this way

 

[Saj]

And credit to the Indian fans who have cheered the Pakistan team loudly today.

Babar and Rizwan seem to be big favourites of the Indian crowds.

 

[kingusama92]

The crowd has been brilliant today. They've been loud and backed both teams.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Crowd was electric today.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

It made me feel that pakistan is playing at their home ground, surprizingly lot of support from the crowd!

 

[Suleiman]

It made me feel that pakistan is playing at their home ground, surprizingly lot of support from the crowd!

That’s what I was about to say. Hyderabad crowd was going crazy. Was this India’s Hyderabad or Pakistan’s? Lol.

 

[emranabbas]

Crowd was excellent seemed like game was in pakistan and not in India

You could even hear people chanting "jeete ga bhai jeeta ga pakistan jeete ga" in India

And people were carrying pakistan flags

What a moment

Lot of people are peed off too on twitter

 

[Syed1]

I was shocked when crowd started chanting "jeetay ga bhai jeetay ga Pakistan jeetay ga"

 

[rickroll]

Crowd was excellent seemed like game was in pakistan and not in India

You could even hear people chanting "jeete ga bhai jeeta ga pakistan jeete ga" in India

And people were carrying pakistan flags

What a moment

Lot of people are peed off too on twitter

It was heart warming to see the support. Lets hope Pakistan enjoys some support in Ahmedabad as well.

 

[nish_mate]

Crowd was excellent seemed like game was in pakistan and not in India

You could even hear people chanting "jeete ga bhai jeeta ga pakistan jeete ga" in India

And people were carrying pakistan flags

What a moment

Lot of people are peed off too on twitter

Not just on twitter, some of the more petty minded juveniles on PP from both sides of Wagah be peed off too... not taking any names but some Major shocks for some folks

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Brilliant crowd today.

14th will be electric too but silence for Pakistan boundaries,wickets is certain.

 

[ex-q-zit]

It was heart warming to see the support. Lets hope Pakistan enjoys some support in Ahmedabad as well.

No way. Even in Hyderabad if Pakistan was playing India it would be 99.9999% India. But if Pakistan plays any other country then they will get support. I think thats natural for any of the sub-continnet teams. Their crowds will always cheer only their team when it plays.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Its funny that this thread has gone silent on the day stadium had a 60% occupancy for a non-India match. More importantly good support for Pakistan in India. Best picture was a spectator waving the Pakistan flag wearing Indian team jersey.

 

[deltexas]

C

The crowd is looking good today. They have come out in large numbers, they have been vocal and quite supportive. Hopefully it continues this way

View attachment 137410

Comms , think Waqar said stadium was 3/4th full . Thats good for a non India match. Just hope more people turn up for more non Indian games...

 

[rickroll]

Its funny that this thread has gone silent on the day stadium had a 60% occupancy for a non-India match. More importantly good support for Pakistan in India. Best picture was a spectator waving the Pakistan flag wearing Indian team jersey.

Can you share that pic here please? I missed seeing that.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Can you share that pic here please? I missed seeing that.