Featured Image: Ajay Parthasarathy on Unsplash
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India has become the most attended ICC event ever according to the governing body, after 1,250,307 fans passed through the turnstiles.
With six games to go, attendance had already passed one million and Sunday’s final between hosts India and Australia saw more than 90,000 fill the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad – though the large majority were left disappointed after Australia secured a sixth title.
The tournament ran between October 5 and November 19, with organisers also claiming the largest attendance for a Men’s Cricket World Cup opening match.
Fans were initially left baffled after a minimal crowd could be seen watching the opening game between England and New Zealand, though guests slowly trickled into the stadium as the day moved into evening, signalling the end of the work day and lower temperatures. The eventual attendance reached more than 47,518.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015, held across Australia and New Zealand, attracted 1,016,420 spectators, while the 2019 tournament in England and Wales saw 752,000 guests pass through the turnstiles.
“The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has been a great success, showcasing the best aspects of the game and capturing the hearts of hundreds of millions of fans across the world,” said Chris Tetley, ICC’s head of events. “The staggering attendance demonstrates the enduring appeal of cricket and the excitement the ODI format continues to offer. It has been an event that has not only entertained but also united cricket fans globally in a celebration of the sport.
“ICC events play an important part in growing our game and inspiring the next generation of fans and players around the world. We would like to thank all the fans who contributed to making the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 such a resounding success, and look forward to sharing more thrilling experiences for everyone in future ICC events.”
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