Which country is the best place to host a Cricket World Cup? This question has come into debate after observing empty seats and a lack of enthusiasm in the crowd that attended the Cricket World Cup in India. This is not a good sign, especially after all the discussions about rejuvenating ODI cricket for the sake of its continued success.
Every country has its unique vibe and culture that contribute to the essence of cricket. India boasts the largest cricket-loving crowd; however, Indian fans tend to be more player-centric and primarily interested in matches played by the home side. In a World Cup, fans are expected to enjoy all the games and create a lively atmosphere that distinguishes a World Cup match from a random ODI game.
All major cricketing nations have hosted the World Cup, leading to some unforgettable moments. If we focus on specific matches, the 2015 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand stands out. When Mitchell Starc bowled Brendon McCullum, the entire MCG erupted in cheers. Another iconic moment was when MS Dhoni struck Nuwan Kulasekara for a massive six over long off, causing the Wankhede Stadium to go wild, as India secured the World Cup after a 28-year wait.
If we’re talking about a vibrant atmosphere and a carnival-like experience, then South Africa is the ideal country for hosting the Cricket World Cup. The good news is that South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will jointly host the 2027 Cricket World Cup. In 2003, South Africa hosted the World Cup, and fans were actively engaged during those days.
With open grounds and a greater sense of freedom for spectators, you wouldn’t want to miss a World Cup match in any of South Africa’s stadiums.
Australia has hosted the Cricket World Cup in 1992 and 2015. On both occasions, the games were nothing short of spectacular. Australian fans relish competitive cricket, and to be fair, Australia boasts some of the most iconic cricket venues in the world. Fans turn out to watch crucial matches, a prime factor in hosting a successful World Cup. A total of 93,013 spectators attended the 2015 Cricket World Cup final.
Last year, Australia hosted the T20 World Cup, but it didn’t quite reach the same level of spectacle. The issue of low attendance by fans remained, similar to the current Cricket World Cup hosted by India. However, matches involving India and Pakistan draw full attendance. It’s all about injecting life into the competition between teams to capture the attention of fans.
England hosted the 2019 Cricket World Cup, one of the most beautiful tournaments in recent memory. English fans are renowned for their passion. Even the match between South Africa and Bangladesh during the 2019 World Cup attracted a sizable audience, creating a wonderful atmosphere. English fans have a profound love for cricket itself.
Another highlight of hosting the World Cup in England is its picturesque grounds. Every cricket enthusiast dreams of witnessing a match at Lord’s, a ground known for producing unforgettable cricketing moments.
India boasts around a billion cricket fans, all equally passionate about the game. The Cricket World Cup 2023 is currently underway in India, and there have been concerns about low attendance. However, as the tournament progresses, it’s expected that more fans will fill the seats. Nevertheless, there has been a decline in fans’ interest in ODIs, and more efforts should have been made to engage the audience.
India has a vast cricket-loving population, and if even a fraction of them started filling the stadiums, this tournament could truly become a spectacular event.
