Last Updated on 3 weeks by Charbel Coorey
Amid a sea of empty seats, fans are wondering why the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting the first Test between India and West Indies. Days one and two have been played in front of a very sparse crowd at the 100,000+ capacity stadium, prompting questions as to why other venues weren’t selected.
An Indian cricket match on home soil is usually an event not to be missed, especially when it’s the start of a new season. However, the public didn’t flock in numbers to catch the start of the West Indies series.
Fans wonder why Ahmedabad was chosen as the venue for the 1st IND vs WI Test
Fans have given their reasons as to why the crowd is low. West Indies, unfortunately, is not a drawcard given their struggles in Test cricket, and the venue itself is not the easiest to get to. Also, fans have listed the scheduling as a reason, with India winning the Asia Cup only days ago in Dubai.
“If we had to play a lower tier team, we should have ideally played them in a stadium that people want to watch Test Cricket,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Ahmedabad is the country’s biggest stadium, and to host a lower tier team at such a big ground makes it look empty. Ahmedabad is good for T20 marquee contests. Not for Tests, even against a marquee team.
“Tests should be played with a view of tourism and ease of connectivity. Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Delhi, Dharamsala and Vizag can be your fixed Test centres.”
Here are some of the reactions to Ahmedabad hosting the first Test of the India-West Indies series.
At the time of writing, India are 200/3, leading by 37 on the second morning. West Indies were bowled out for 162 after opting to bat. Mohammed Siraj was India’s leading bowler, taking four wickets.
