Empty seats in a sports stadium are never a good sign for any sport, let alone cricket. Australia recently played the first ODI against West Indies at the MCG, and the game was quite one-sided, as expected.
However, what’s even more ominous is the sight of empty seats in the stadium. Not even 10 percent of the total capacity was filled with fans.
The talk about promoting cricket is always on the table, but when Australia, a country that claims to profoundly influence the game, witnesses empty seats, it tells a different story altogether.
This scenario reflects the general perception of people towards the game, highlighting potential issues in engaging fans at the international level.
While there is considerable interest and enthusiasm for events like the Big Bash League, international fixtures seem to lack the same level of anticipation. This lack of excitement translates to mundane games, resulting in diminished interest from both players and fans alike.
Additionally, the scheduling of ICC fixtures often seems disconnected from the players’ availability and interests, with many star players opting to participate in lucrative franchise leagues instead.
Moreover, the format and significance of ODI series like the one between West Indies and Australia come into question. With the home side usually dominating and the series offering little beyond individual statistics, it begs the question of its relevance in the modern cricketing landscape.
West Indies recently struggled against Australia, who comfortably bowled out the visitors for a meager score of 231 before chasing it down without much trouble. The lackluster game vibe further underscored the need for more engaging formats and matchups.
Instead of a 3-match ODI series, a 5-match T20I series could have been more captivating, especially considering the naturally attacking style of West Indies. Such a change could inject much-needed excitement and energy into the contests, attracting both players and fans alike.
Even in the test series, there hasn’t been an overwhelming number of spectators. Despite West Indies creating history at the Gabba, the lack of spectators to witness the feat is concerning.
With an average attendance of only 14,000 per match for Australia in home conditions, it’s evident that more needs to be done to sustain interest across all formats of the game.
