World Cup 2023 Opener: England vs. New Zealand – Where’s The Crowd?

The much-anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023 commenced at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, featuring defending champions England against New Zealand in a rematch of the thrilling 2019 final. However, the excitement in the air did not match the reality in the stands as only a fraction of the venue was filled with spectators.

Social media platforms buzzed with astonishment as fans shared pictures of empty stands during the tournament opener. Despite significant ticket sales leading up to the event, a visibly reduced crowd raised questions about the unexpected turnout.

Even England women’s cricket team star, Danielle Wyatt, expressed her disappointment at the sparse attendance.

In the absence of Kane Williamson due to a knee injury, Tom Latham led New Zealand in the opening match. Notably, Lockie Ferguson was sidelined due to a niggle, with Ish Sodhi and Tim Southee also missing from the lineup.

England had to face the game without key players as well, with Ben Stokes nursing a hip niggle. Gus Atkinson, Reece Topley, and David Willey were also left out of the playing XI.