The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, hosted by the West Indies and the USA, is generating a buzz, but not all of it is positive. Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, there are concerns about empty stands in the West Indies.
Low turnout by crowds at the stadium, and dismal TRPs digitally during the group stage is a warning sign. With well over three weeks to go for the tournament, has the ICC made a blunder by organising the World Cup in the West Indies?
Poor Turnout for Lower Grade Teams
Even though the West Indies are the hosts, even their matches are failing to bring in the crowds. In the match against Papua New Guinea, there were hardly any spectators inside watching the match. What turnout can the local board expects for matches comprising of teams like Nepal, Bangladesh, Canada and other minnows?
Even though the intensity of matches can be high, there is a lack of audience for games involving lesser-known teams. While hosting the tournament provides an advantage to the home team, it can also dilute the competition, leading to less interest in matches between non-famous teams.
For example, matches like Afghanistan vs. Uganda, Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea, Oman vs. Namibia, or Namibia vs. Scotland which are scheduled to be played on the grounds at the West Indies are expected to see low turnouts.
Spectators from Other Countries
The exceptions to these low-attendance games are when fans fly in from other countries to support their teams. However, this is not always enough to fill the stadiums.
Financial Aspects of Hosting
The West Indies Cricket Board provides the host cricket stadium financial support for hosting each game. The gate money or the revenue generated by selling the tickets is shared between the board and the stadium. Poor turnouts mean less money for the Board, and in WICB case, they are already cash-strapped for years now.
Solution in store: Competitive Balance and Audience Preferences?
There is an ongoing debate about whether the ICC should make the competition more competitive just the way they had done during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India where only the top 10 teams were allowed to participate for the quest of glory.
Many fans prefer not to watch low TRP (Television Rating Point) games, which could affect attendance and viewership. Surprisingly most of the low TRP games have been scheduled to be held in the West Indies rather than the USA which subtly gives hints of favoritism.
USA to Host High-Profile Matches
Interestingly, India’s group stage games, including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled to be held in the USA. These matches are expected to draw huge crowds, with tickets for the India vs Pakistan match reportedly costing INR 8.4 lacs each. The decision to host these big games in the USA ensures packed stadiums and maximizes revenue. Also, there is no doubt that India vs Pakistan game would be welcoming most of the super rich people given the way its tickets are priced.
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Revival of Cricket in the West Indies
The 2024 T20 World Cup is seen as an opportunity to revive cricket in West Indies. 2-time-T20 World Cup winners are not in the best of financial health at the moment.
Though the Caribbean Premier League is a smash hit amongst the fans, globally, the West Indies has not achieved much in the last eight years.
Hosting an international tournament is expected to boost local interest and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
Bunder of 2007, Repetition in 2024?
In the 2007 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, the West Indies hosted 16 teams. The 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in India featured the top 10 teams, ensuring high-quality matches and significant audience interest. The 2024 ICC men’s T20 World Cup has seen 20 teams competing, the largest number yet. While this inclusivity is commendable, it poses challenges for attracting large crowds to every game.
While the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises exciting cricket, the challenge lies in attracting audiences to every game. The ICC’s financial support and strategic placement of high-profile matches in the USA aim to address these concerns.
However, the real test will be whether the tournament can revive the financial conditions of cricket in the West Indies and maintain global interest. Has the ICC robbed the West Indies for its own financial gains?
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
