WC in USA will be a disaster if India vs Pakistan doesn't sell to a packed house

ICC slammed over sky-high ticket costs amid empty seats

June 07, 2024 00:00:00

NEW DELHI, June 09 (Agencies): India's first game of the 2024 T20 World Cup vs Ireland in New York was played in front of many empty seats and the International Cricket Council's (ICC) inflated pricing and a very subdued marketing plan are the prime reasons for it nowhere close to being a full house.

While the grand stands were filled, the premium North and South stands of the venue, with prices around $1,000, had no takers. It wasn't a pleasant broadcast experience too as there were so many vacant seats around the sight screen at both ends.

ICC have not yet disclosed the official attendance for India's match against Ireland in New York on Wednesday. But by a safe estimate, there were a little over 20,000 fans in attendance at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The reason for the subdued atmosphere and turnout, despite a sizeable Indian community in New York and nearby New Jersey, has been attributed to poor marketing efforts and largely due to the expensive ticket prices.

While the grand stands were filled for the match against Ireland, the premium North and South stands, with prices around $1,000, didn't find enough takers. It didn't make for a pleasing broadcast experience either with many vacant seats around the sight screen at both ends.

To make it an even more displeasing experience for those that did show up, fans complained about mediocre arrangements and poor facilities for the hefty price paid.

The task gets tougher for ICC, the local organisers and the marketing teams. With marquee India vs Pakistan fixture on Sunday (9 June), the ask gets bigger and there is serious need to up the game.

As of 6 June, the ticket price of Diamond Club ($10,000), Corner Clubs ($2,750) and Premium Club Lounge ($2,500). These are the same premium seats which had few takers for the India-Ireland match, where the prices were considerably lower. The ticket prices for the India-Ireland fixture in these categories were: Diamond Club ($7,500), Corner Clubs ($950) and Premium Club Lounge ($900).