Millions of cricket fans across were excitedly awaiting the first match of the Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad, India. Reports indicated that the stadium had numerous empty seats and that the attendance was lower than anticipated. This situation has raised concerns on BBCI and highlighted issues related to ticketing for the event
The opening match of the cricket World Cup, which India is hosting for the first time in a decade was not exactly attended by a stadium that was bursting at the seams in cricket-crazed India. However, a lot of fans complained that it was difficult to find tickets online.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is getting heat from all angles for its handling of ticket sales for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 amid low attendance for the first few matches. Social media users posted pictures of vacant seats during the opening match between England and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as well as the match between India and Australia at Chepauk Stadium.
Comparisons are being made to the previous World Cup that took place in England and had a cumulative economic impact of more than £350 million on the country that hosted it. The total number of spectators at the 2019 Cricket World Cup was 752,000.
The world’s richest and most powerful cricket body, having earned Rs 27,411 crore in revenue in five years between FY18 and FY22. After being disappointed by the low turnout, the BCCI stated late last week that it would distribute 14,000 tickets for the India vs. Pakistan match that would take place on October 14 in Ahmedabad.
BCCI’s Mishandling of Tickets Disappoints Fans
Since online ticket sales began in the final week of August, cricket fans have been dissatisfied with the lack of match tickets. In response to the World Cup’s high demand and limited supply of tickets, BCCI decided to distribute 400,000 more tickets. Former BCCI executives told ET that the Indian cricket organisation had erred greatly by postponing the event schedule’s release, then altering the dates of a few games, including the India vs. Pakistan match, and ultimately only providing a small quantity of tickets for online sales.
“There is no transparency over the distribution of tickets,” a former BCCI official said.”Ideally, BCCI could have planned this better. If you look at other international sporting events, match tickets go on sale well in advance. This gives fans enough time to plan their travel and make their hotel and flight bookings.”
This situation has not only disappointed cricket fans but also raised questions about the ticketing process and the need for transparency in organizing major sporting events. It serves as a reminder of the importance of efficient and fair ticket distribution to maximize attendance and the overall success of such prestigious tournament.
