'Truly Disappointing': Empty Stands in West Indies

The opening match of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in Guyana has sparked significant attention on social media, not for the game itself but for the nearly empty stands at Providence Stadium. Despite being the host nation, the West Indies saw little local interest, with the majority of the stadium's seats unoccupied.

The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, is off to a disappointing start in terms of local spectator turnout. The half-empty Providence Stadium during the West Indies vs. Papua New Guinea match has been particularly embarrassing for the local organizing committee, with the event described as having 'zero vibe.'

Sunday’s match in Guyana marked the beginning of the Caribbean leg of the T20 World Cup. However, the sparse attendance and lack of enthusiastic fans were noticeable. The stands were only partially filled, which has drawn criticism and concern.

On social media platform 'X' (formerly known as Twitter), users expressed their frustration and disappointment. Comments highlighted the stark contrast between the enthusiasm for cricket in the Caribbean and the fervor seen in the subcontinent, particularly India. 

One user wrote, "Cricket is alive only because of the subcontinent, especially India." Another remarked, "Cannot believe how low the turnout is. West Indies playing a home World Cup match, truly disappointing." A different comment noted, "Almost zero crowd for the West Indies' opening game. It's really disheartening."

This lackluster attendance raises questions about the local support for cricket in the Caribbean and the effectiveness of the promotional efforts for the tournament. The situation underscores the challenges faced in engaging local audiences for international cricket events outside the traditional cricket powerhouses.

Crowd 🤯
Dekh k lag raha k west indies main cricket mar rahi oxygen di jai inhain
#T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/Yw91RF3PaP

— Qasim (@crickinfo1010) June 2, 2024

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

Can't believe how small the crowd is here. Really disappointing for a West Indies home World Cup game #T20WorldCup

— Billy Crawford (@BillCrawford87) June 2, 2024

Crowd for first game of the host nation West Indies. Cricket is alive only cuz of subcontinent or dare I say only cuz of India. pic.twitter.com/HkQ6sASdvk

— Ali (@Aliiiii15245) June 2, 2024

Almost zero crowd for the opening game of Home side, West Indies.#T20WC

— 𝙉𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙣 (@notabihour) June 2, 2024

Empty stadium in the opening match of host West Indies

This is the Perfect Example of how Franchise Cricket is playing a huge impact on International Cricket (especially West Indies) pic.twitter.com/ab82sUzGzL

— Aditya 🍉 (@Aditya_Kohli_18) June 2, 2024