ICC T20 World Cup 2022: "There Was No Feeling Of A Huge Excitement About This World Cup"- Adam Gilchrist Worried About Lack Of Interest By Australian Fans

Former Australian keeper-batter Adam Gilchrist bemoans the paucity of attendance at the host nation’s games while noting that India’s enthusiasm for the sport has increased by leaps and bounds. 

34,576 people attended Australia’s inaugural match against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), while 25061 people watched the home team play Sri Lanka in Perth. 82,000 people watched India’s match against Zimbabwe in Melbourne, while over 90,000 watched Pakistan play at the same stadium. 

The Indian Passion For The Game Continues To Go To New Levels: Adam Gilchrist

Speaking to SEN WA Breakfast, Gilchrist noted the huge audiences for India’s games while pointing out the lack of excitement surrounding the matches involving the defending champions. He stated: 

“You’ve only got to look at the crowds; the crowds were down. There was no feeling of a huge excitement about this world cup from the way crowds turned up to the Australian games.”

“On the flip side of that, look at what was almost a dead rubber on Sunday night in Melbourne, Zimbabwe vs India, and there’s 82,000 people there. The Indian passion for the game continues to go to new levels. That’s something that’s really positive and exciting about cricket.”

A total of 37556 people attended the abandoned match between Australia and England at the MCG, but only 18672 people showed up for the final match between the hosts and Afghanistan in Adelaide. 

Adam Gilchrist Confused If Current Team Is Responsible For Lack Of Crowd

Adam Gilchrist is still confused as to whether the current Australian team is to blame for the lack of support. Former athlete’s statement: 

“Whether those crowds being down and the appetite and enthusiasm for World Cup is reflective of the current team, I’ve got no idea. Any time Australia have hosted a World Cup, men’s or women’s, it’s always been at the end of the summer, so there’s a whole build-up and promotion of it and expectation for it.” 

Notably, the Men in Yellow have struggled throughout the competition, losing in the group stage after placing third in group one. Australia was eliminated when England defeated Sri Lanka in Sydney and Adelaide because the hosts had a negative net run rate. 

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