World Cup 2023 In India Becomes Most-Attended ICC Event With 1.25 Million Spectator Turn Out

Mumbai: The 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in India set a historic record as the most-attended cricket tournament, attracting over 1.25 million spectators across 10 venues. The final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium drew an official attendance of nearly 1,00,000 fans. India’s passionate cricket fandom filled stadiums for both their matches and non-India fixtures, dispelling early concerns about empty stands.

 

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The tournament, held from October 5 to November 19, surpassed previous attendance records, including the 2015 Men’s ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (10,16,420 spectators) and the 2019 edition in England and Wales (7,52,000 fans). Notably, the opening match between England and New Zealand and the India-Pakistan clash set new records for attendance in World Cup history.

In addition to the remarkable in-stadium turnout, the World Cup in India broke broadcast and digital viewership records. Star Sports, the official broadcaster’s live streaming platform, reached a peak concurrency of 4.3 crore viewers during the India vs. New Zealand match in Dharamsala, setting a new benchmark that was surpassed in the semi-final and final.

Despite India’s loss to Australia in the final in Ahmedabad, the tournament was deemed a great success. Australia secured their sixth men’s cricket World Cup title through disciplined bowling and a remarkable century by Travis Head. ICC’s Head of Events, Chris Tetley, highlighted the event’s ability to unite cricket fans globally in celebrating the sport’s excitement.

Looking ahead, the ODI World Cup in 2027 is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, while the West Indies and the USA will host next year’s T20 World Cup.