Srinagar: The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 kicked off on Thursday with match played between England and New Zealand
at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
However, the inaugural match has been overshadowed by the empty stadium with fans failing to turnip to watch the match.
Fans and former cricketers have termed it disappointing.
“Disappointing to see World Cup opening in front of just a few hundred spectators in Ahmedabad. Very disappointing #WC2023 #BCCI #ENGvsNZ,” Shoaib Akhtar posted.
“Opening ceremony canceled, scheduled changed numerous times, ticketing issues, visa delays for participating team, warm up to be played behind closed doors due to security, completely empty stadium in the opening match, is India really the right venue to be hosting global event?,” said a fan named Osama.
“A complete empty Stadium in Multan,” Mufaddal Vohra posted.
Meanwhile, New Zealand elected to field first after winning the toss. Tom Latham is leading the side in absence of Kane Williamson.
Earlier apart from empty stadium, reports circulating in the media on Wednesday hinted at potential threats from terrorists targeting World Cup matches hosted in Ahmedabad.
In response to these concerns, robust security measures have been instituted in and around the Ahmedabad Stadium, with a deployment of over 3,000 police personnel assigned to ensure the well-being of attendees.
