The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 kicked off on Thursday, 5 October, with a clash between the 2019 World Cup finalists England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, the match was played in front of empty stands, as no spectators were allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This left many cricket fans and social media users stunned and disappointed, as they missed out on the opportunity to witness the start of the biggest cricket event in the world.
COVID-19 restrictions keep fans away from Match
The decision to ban spectators from the World Cup matches was taken by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in consultation with the Indian government and health authorities, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. India has been one of the worst-hit countries by the pandemic, with over 40 million cases and over 600,000 deaths reported so far. The country is also facing a shortage of vaccines, oxygen, and medical supplies, as well as a surge in new variants of the virus.
The ICC and the BCCI had initially hoped to allow a limited number of fans to attend the World Cup matches, but they had to revise their plans after a second wave of infections hit India in April 2023. The situation worsened in September 2023, when a third wave of infections emerged, forcing several states to impose lockdowns and curfews. As a result, the ICC and the BCCI announced that all the World Cup matches would be played behind closed doors, with only essential staff and media personnel allowed inside the stadiums.
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Fans express their frustration and sadness in Tweets
The absence of fans from the World Cup matches has been met with a lot of criticism and sadness from cricket lovers around the world. Many fans took to social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to express their frustration and disappointment at not being able to watch their favourite teams and players live in action. Some fans also shared photos and videos of previous World Cup matches that were played in front of packed crowds, reminiscing about the atmosphere and excitement that they missed this time.
Some of the tweets that captured the mood of the fans are:
ICC and BCCI hope for better days ahead
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the ICC and the BCCI have vowed to deliver a successful and safe World Cup for all stakeholders involved. They have also expressed their hope that fans will be able to return to the stadiums soon, if the situation improves in India and around the world.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to release the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 schedule which is always a huge occasion ahead of any global event. Hundreds of millions of fans around the world will be part of what we hope will be the greatest ever Men’s Cricket World Cup”
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said: “It’s a matter of great honour and pride to be hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in different cities across India, showcasing the rich diversity of our country. The fervour and passion for cricket in India is unique. I am sure fans both here and abroad would be looking forward to the tournament’s return to India for the first time since 2011”
The World Cup will feature 10 teams playing 45 league matches, followed by four knockout matches. The final will be played on 19 November at Ahmedabad. The tournament is expected to attract a huge global audience through television, digital platforms, and radio broadcasts.
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