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‘It’s Disgraceful And Sad’: Fans React To The Empty Stands At West Indies’ T20 World Cup Opener Against PNG

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 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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