In a surprising turn of events, World Cup 2023 Opening Match witnessed a shockingly low turnout at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With a staggering capacity of 132,000, the stadium should have been buzzing with excitement and packed with enthusiastic cricket fans. However, reports suggest that only a meager 3,000 to 4,000 spectators were in attendance for the mega event.
Sachin Tendulkar Unveils the World Cup Trophy
The anticipation for the World Cup opener was palpable, especially as cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar graced the stadium as the brand ambassador for the tournament. Tendulkar’s presence was expected to draw a massive crowd, but even the Master Blaster couldn’t entice enough spectators to fill the colossal arena.
The Disheartening Scene at the Stadium for World Cup 2023 Opening Match
Images of the nearly empty stadium quickly made their way across social media, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts in dismay. Many took to various platforms to express their disappointment at the embarrassing turnout for such a prestigious cricket event.
A Replay of the 2019 Thriller: England vs. New Zealand
The opening match of the World Cup 2023 featured a highly anticipated showdown between England and New Zealand. This clash marked a rematch of the thrilling final from the 2019 World Cup, which took place at Lord’s in England. The cricketing world expected this high-stakes encounter to be met with an electrifying atmosphere, given the grandeur of the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Largest Cricket Stadium in the World
Narendra Modi Stadium boasts the title of being the largest cricket stadium globally, with its immense capacity. The occasion of a World Cup opener at such a monumental venue should have been met with a significant fanfare. However, the reality was starkly different, with only a mere 3% of the stadium’s seats occupied.
Social Media Outrage for World Cup 2023 Opening Match
Social media platforms lit up with outrage from fans who were disheartened by the empty seats at the World Cup opener. Many expressed their disappointment and called for action to address this unexpected turnout.
Fans’ Reactions to the Empty Stadium for World Cup 2023 Opening Match
Some fans took to social media to voice their concerns about the lack of spectators at the event. One fan expressed, “Empty stadiums at the World Cup openers! I hope the stadium gets a bit filled; the World Cup opener deserves more hype, to be honest.”
Another cricket enthusiast from abroad added, “It’s pretty big, but where is the crowd?? Empty stadiums! ICC should shift the World Cup to other countries.”
The Cricket Action Unfolds
Despite the disheartening scene at the stadium, the cricket action unfolded on the field. New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. The match witnessed a historic moment as Jonny Bairstow smashed a six off the second ball of the game. This marked the first time in the World Cup’s five-decade history that the first scoring shot was a six.
Despite losing four quick wickets, England’s Joe Root and Jos Buttler steadily built the innings. They aimed to set a target in excess of 300 runs, keeping the hopes of an exciting and competitive match alive.
In conclusion, the World Cup 2023 opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium was marred by a surprisingly low turnout, leaving cricket fans disappointed and calling for changes. Despite the empty seats, the cricketing action continued on the field, promising an exciting contest between England and New Zealand. The world of cricket now eagerly awaits the rest of the tournament, hoping for a resurgence in fan support and enthusiasm.