ENG vs NZ: Virender Sehwag, Ravi Shastri Share Their Verdict On Empty Stands During England vs New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023 Opener

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag opened up about the empty stands for the ICC World Cup 2023 opener between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. He popped up a suggestion to overcome this, saying that there should be free tickets for women and children during non-India games.

England and New Zealand are clashing with each other in the first game of the ICC World Cup 2023. While the competition between the two teams has been staggering, what caught the attention of many was the empty stand in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Only a few people have turned up to watch the game and the majority of the stadium is empty. This has ignited signs of worry among the fans, who lashed out at BCCI for mismanagement of tickets, saying that it’s baffling to see less crowds in the World Cup game.

Following all the backlash, Virender Sehwag was hopeful that stands in Narendra Modi Stadium would fill up after office hours. He also added that free tickets would help people gain interest in the format as its charm is fading away

Taking to X, he explained: “Hopefully after office hours, there should be more people coming in. But for games not featuring Bharat, there should be free tickets for school and college children.

“With the fading interest in 50 over game, it will definitely help that youngsters get to experience a World Cup game and players get to play in front of a full stadium. #CWC23.”

If this was India vs England, you would be guaranteed a full house – Ravi Shastri on empty stands in Narendra Modi Stadium During ICC World Cup 2023 Opener

With empty stands on the frey during the ICC World Cup 2023 opener, Michael Atherton, who was commentating, pointed out that in the last few World Cups, hosts have played the first game and it should’ve been the case here as well.

He explained: “In the last few years, the hosts have started. England began against South Africa in 2019, England and Australia played the opener in 2015, and in 2011, India played Bangladesh. Isn’t it sensible that the hosts should start because it guarantees a full house and give the tournament an immediate lift.”

Replying to this, Ravi Shastri said that India should’ve played the first game and had it been India vs England, it would’ve been a full house.

He explained: “Absolutely, especially in a ground like this, which has a capacity of 1,10,000. I understand you want one of the former finalists to play, but at all costs, have a home team play.

“If this was India vs England, you would be guaranteed a full house. Even on a weekday, at least 70000-80000 people would have come in. It just adds that buzz. There is a build-up.”

Coming to the Game, New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first. It was a staggering effort from them as they restricted England to 282 runs. Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers as he picked three wickets whereas for England Joe Root was the star batter as he scored 77 runs.