Spectators at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad made headlines early on Sunday for turning up in India jerseys and turning the world's largest stadium blue. Hours later, however, as India drew closer to losing the World Cup ODI final against Australia, disappointed fans left the stadium in droves. When it was time for the post-match presentation ceremony, Australia received their World Cup trophy in front of a near-empty stadium.
The incident drew sharp reactions from social media users who slammed the crowd at Ahmedabad for lacking the proper spirit. Several users on X compared the spectators to the crowd at different and much smaller stadiums across India like Eden Garden and Wankhede, pointing out how people there would have displayed the true spirit of the game.
This was the crowd in DY Patil for Australia’s tour of India last year. For a FRIENDLY tournament. In DY PATIL. TINY compared to Ahmedabad. The crowd took it upon themselves after the emcee had to shut down at 10.THIS is cricket CULTURE! This is what money cannot buy. https://t.co/NwBWDGdufP pic.twitter.com/vksfWaIuqu
— Ria (@RiaRaichaudhuri) November 19, 2023
Imagine having a stadium with more than 1.2 lac people in Ahmedabad yet Virat Kohli & Indian team players having to plead to dead silent crowd to get behind team when things aren't going India's way against Australia in a World Cup Finals, Embarrassing Venue!Related stories
Travis head… pic.twitter.com/KdGfiEP69B
— Vishal Verma (@VishalVerma_9) November 19, 2023
The Ahmedabad crowd not staying for the ceremony was abominable and still it was far from the worst thing they've done in this world cup.#WorldcupFinal#INDvsAUS— Parth MN (@parthpunter) November 19, 2023
Australia's Pat Cummins, who had declared that there's nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent and that was the aim for the team on Sunday, said after the match that the deafening silence of over 90,000 supporters at the Narendra Modi Stadium, after he snuffed out Virat Kohli in the World Cup final, was perhaps the "sweetest moment" the Australian skipper ever experienced on a cricket field.
Several social media users also commented on how Pat Cummins was left "alone" on stage during the presentation ceremony.
An X user also pointed out how people started leaving as soon as the game was over and no one even waited for the match presentation ceremony. “People left before the award ceremony. The winning captain was left alone on the stage. What a terrible thing to do as a host country,” the post read.
That’s the complete video Mam. pic.twitter.com/EFpleSUu7c— Buie/Rakhee (@BuieBedi12) November 19, 2023
"This is humiliating a guest. India played like champions but Australia had a better day yet leaving the captain of a winning team alone on the stage is just too sad. I mean COME ON!!!" an X user commented. "This is horrible, we are acting like the worst host," said another.
Read more: Australia's Mitchell Marsh sits with feet on World Cup trophy, gets slammed
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
