The absence of spectators and empty stands in Guyana for West Indies‘ T20 World Cup opener angered fans on social media, prompting them to criticize the ICC. Following the USA’s impressive victory over Canada in the 2024 T20 World Cup opener at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Saturday, co-hosts West Indies began the Caribbean leg of the tournament on Sunday by hosting Papua New Guinea at Providence Stadium in Guyana.
However, the sparse attendance and empty stands at the venue angered fans on social media, who criticized the ICC.
Despite a decent turnout at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Saturday for New York’s first international cricket event, featuring a warm-up game between India and Bangladesh, the two-time T20 World Cup champions, West Indies, were greeted by a sparse crowd in Guyana.
Empty stands at the T20 World Cup match between West Indies and PNG in Guyana
Amid the low turnout at the venue, the ICC faced heavy criticism as fans on social media pointed out that the higher ticket prices might be the reason for the lack of interest from the home crowd.
West Indies ka apna crowd unka match dekhnay nai aya to baqi teams k matches main kahan se aye ga.
One major reason is high price of Tickets.#WT20_2024 pic.twitter.com/tjt2mcrP0w— Cric mate (@crickymat77) June 2, 2024
Crowd dekh ke lag raha America mai promote karne se pehle West Indies mai cricket revive karna padega.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 2, 2024
Empty stadiums
Too many weak teams
Under prepared wickets
The real thrill of T20 is missing
The Odi World Cup 2007 in carribbean was a big failure. This tournament too seems heading that way @cricketworldcup@ICC#T20WorldCup2024#WivsPng#Gayana pic.twitter.com/5cs9pVVBe2— Nirvana (@DattaTirth12562) June 2, 2024
It's disgraceful to see empty stadiums for the T20 World Cup, all because matches are scheduled at ridiculous times to please the BCCI. Cricket will never grow as long as the BCCI keeps manipulating the game for its own benefit. (Part 1)
— Ashwin K (@A4Kachu) June 2, 2024
The Empty stands at Guyana.
– This is sad to see Empty stadium for the Home team West Indies game in T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/aO09eCAMnA
— Himanshu Ladha (@HimanshuLadha8) June 2, 2024
West Indies narrowly avoided an upset in their T20 World Cup opener as PNG pushed them to the brink, with the required run rate reaching 12 and half the team out during the chase. However, Roston Chase and Andre Russell kept their composure, delivering crucial big hits to secure a five-wicket victory.
In the first innings, PNG struggled initially, losing two early wickets and slipping to 34 for three. Yet, Sese Bau’s half-century and valuable contributions from Vala and Kiplin Doriga helped them recover, setting a respectable total of 136 for eight in 20 overs.
On a challenging two-paced pitch, PNG’s bowlers performed exceptionally. The seamers exploited early assistance while the ball’s grip and hold made scoring difficult for the West Indies batters. At one point, the home team was reduced to 97 for five in 16 overs, needing 40 runs from the final four overs.
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