The 2024 T20 World Cup kicked off its Caribbean leg in Guyana on a somber note for the co-hosts, the West Indies. While they ruled the roost against Papua New Guinea (PNG), restricting them to a low score, the bigger story came from the desolate stands at the Providence Stadium. Images of empty seats at a global cricketing event like the T20 World Cup sparked outrage online, raising questions on ICC and fan engagement.
A sparse crowd in West Indies opening T20 WC match!
This lack of attendance is a rare sight for a global ICC event like the T20 World Cup, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate crowds. Several factors seem to have contributed to the sparse turnout.
Firstly, the decision to schedule the match for a morning start (10:30 am local time) was aimed at attracting viewers in India and other cricket-crazy parts of the world with significant time zone differences. However, this clashed with the typical weekend routine for Guyanese fans, who might have preferred an afternoon or evening match.
Secondly, ticket prices have been reported to be on the higher side, potentially deterring some local fans from attending. This is particularly concerning considering the opponent – Papua New Guinea (20), a team ranked considerably lower than the West Indies (4).
The sight of empty stands has sparked outrage online, with fans questioning the atmosphere of the tournament and even asking if it truly feels like a World Cup. The passionate West Indian fanbase is a crucial element of the team’s success, and their absence creates a noticeable void.
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