Empty Stands at Narendra Modi Stadium For Ind-WI 1st Test in Ahmedabad

Ind-WI 1st Test in Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, known for its large capacity and modern facilities, is suddenly in the headlines... but this time not because of the game, but because of the empty stands. Fans and experts were surprised to see empty seats on the opening day of the first Test between India and the West Indies (Thursday). This Test series began right after the end of the Asia Cup, and that too on Dussehra. So, if this isn't an overdose of cricket, then what else?

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Was it right to host a Test match against a smaller team in such a large stadium? Or does India need to find a stable and spectator-friendly venue for Test cricket?

IND vs. WI Test in Ahmedabad was a letdown

The question arises: was such a large stadium the right choice for a match against a "lost its luster"... or does India need to rethink its strategy for Test cricket?

The West Indies had a poor start in the match. They won the toss and elected to bat first, collapsing for just 162 runs. Mohammed Siraj bowled brilliantly for India, taking four wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah took three, Kuldeep Yadav two, and Washington Sundar one. Despite the Indian bowlers' impressive performance, the empty stands diminished the Test's luster.

Empty stands raised questions about the BCCI's decision.

Cricket fans expressed their anger and disappointment on social media. Many felt it was unfair to use such a large stadium against a lower-tier team. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "If we were to play against a lower-tier team, we should have chosen a stadium popular with Test cricket fans and packed with spectators. Ahmedabad has a large capacity stadium, but it's not a suitable venue for a Test match." It should be reserved only for T20 matches or major league matches.

Former captain Virat Kohli has also previously expressed his views on this issue. In 2019, he said that India should have only five fixed Test venues so that visiting teams know where they will play, what kind of pitches and spectators they will receive. According to him, holding Tests at multiple venues is fine due to state associations' rotation policies and other reasons, but playing at stable and attractive venues would be more effective.

Summary

In the 21st century, the BCCI has so far hosted Test matches at 18 different stadiums. Meanwhile, countries like England and Australia have limited their Test matches to only nine or ten stadiums. Experts believe that India should also establish a fixed number of Test venues to maintain the dignity of Test cricket and spectator attendance.

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