In a spectacular display of cricketing fervour, a staggering 1.25 million enthusiasts thronged the stadiums during the enthralling 13th edition of the World Cup. The grand finale on Sunday witnessed a captivating clash, culminating in Australia’s triumphant sixth title by overcoming the hosts, India.
According to the esteemed International Cricket Council, the total attendance for the showpiece event, held from October 5 to November 19, reached an unprecedented 1,250,307. This remarkable feat eclipsed the previous record of 1.016 million set during the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand.
Despite the initial matches, which did not feature the Indian team, displaying pockets of vacant seats in the stands, the overall spectator turnout exceeded the one million milestone well before the culmination of the tournament, with six thrilling encounters still on the horizon. The cricketing spectacle not only enthralled the nation but also etched a new chapter in World Cup history with its record-breaking attendance figures.
Chris Tetley, the Head of Events at the International Cricket Council (ICC), lauded the one-day international tournament as a “great success.” In a statement, Tetley expressed his delight at the overwhelming response, stating, “The staggering attendance demonstrates the enduring appeal of cricket and the excitement the ODI format continues to offer.” He went on to highlight that the tournament not only shattered records in broadcast and digital viewership but also served as a unifying force, bringing cricket enthusiasts worldwide together in a joyous celebration of the sport.
The 10-team spectacle unfolded in the cricket-crazed nation of India, where each team battled it out in a round-robin format, playing against every other team once to secure a coveted spot in the semi-finals. With a total of 48 intense matches, the tournament boasted an impressive average attendance of around 26,000, showcasing the unwavering passion and support of fans throughout the thrilling cricket extravaganza.
