ICC World Cup 2023: Spectators expected to see more of fans

Delhi-based Samvit Rajput (left) and dad Nitendra along with Amit Nanavati (centre) at Ahmedabad yesterday. Pics/Subodh Mayure

Defending champions England and 2019 runners-up New Zealand were playing at the world's largest stadium. But there was nothing impressive about the spectator turnout on Thursday.

Amit Nanavati, a professor at Ahmedabad University, was expecting a packed stadium. "I am surprised to see such a poor response at such a big stadium. Maybe, the hot weather is one of the reasons," said Nanavati, who was seated at the North Stand.

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Meanwhile, a cricket and rugby follower from New Zealand, Paul Tolich, who travelled from Auckland to watch the action, was disappointed with what he saw.

NZ supporter Paul Tolich

"This is my first visit to Ahmedabad. It's a very good stadium, but where are the people? I think fans failed to get their tickets at the right time. I think the ticket distribution management is very poor. I too experienced the same. I purchased my online ticket a month ago, but had to show the physical copy at the other venue, which is far away from this stadium. It's crazy. Why should I suffer when I have a ticket [soft copy] with me. All this takes up a lot of time," remarked Tolich.

Some fans, who had complementary tickets, reckoned the first game should have been an India v England one. But Nitendra Rajput, who arrived from Delhi along with his son Samvit, 13, enjoyed good cricket from the empty stands.

"We heard so many things about this beautiful venue. We wanted to watch the India v Pakistan match to be held later, but I only got tickets for this opening game," said Rajput, 48, who achieved the ironman title by completing the race in 15 hours and 48 minutes in Sweden last August.

"People may want to see India matches. But we both enjoyed watching the game without any disturbance, so for us it's a win-win situation. Facilities here are very good. The washrooms are very clean," said Rajput, who paid R1,500 for each ticket a month ago.