The Pakistan team’s recent performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup has been nothing short of disappointing. Following a close but heartbreaking defeat to arch-nemesis India, their match against Canada witnessed a sparse crowd at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York. While empty seats can be partially attributed to the aftermath of the India loss, there might be more to the story.
Echoes of a High-Voltage IND vs PAK clash
It’s important to consider the context. The India-Pakistan encounter is one of the most anticipated rivalries in cricket. The passionate fan bases of both teams (more Indian fans however) typically pack stadiums whenever they clash. Following the emotional rollercoaster of the India match, a less intense fixture against Canada might not hold the same appeal for some fans despite this being a must-win clash for both the teams.
ICC gone greedy?
Another factor to consider is the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) pricing strategy (or stupidity). Ticket costs for the T20 World Cup have been through the roof. Couple that with the decision to schedule the match for a morning start (10:30 am local time), 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 routine for American fans, who might have preferred an afternoon or evening match.
A Wait-and-See Approach for Pakistani fans?
Pakistan’s shaky performance thus far might also be contributing to the lower turnout. Fans who are used to seeing their team dominate might be adopting a wait-and-see approach before committing to attending further matches. A strong showing against Canada could reignite their enthusiasm and fill the stands in upcoming fixtures.
