Reason: Why are there no crowds in IND vs WI Test match?

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Reason: Why are there no crowds in IND vs WI Test match?: The ongoing India vs. West Indies Test match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has renewed concerns about declining fan interest in Test cricket.

Despite being a high-profile international match, the opening day of the first Test fell short of expectations, even on October 2nd, a national holiday in India due to Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra. Stadium seats remained surprisingly empty, a worrying sign for the format's future.

Fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media immediately pointed out Virat Kohli's absence and discussed how his retirement from Test cricket in 2025 would impact viewership. Kohli, who will retire from Test cricket in May 2025, has always been considered one of India's biggest crowd-pullers.

Is Test cricket losing its crowds? The reasons for the lack of fans at the IND vs WI match

There is not just one reason, but several factors responsible for the absence of fans in the stadium.

4. Selection of a Large Venue

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The BCCI chose the Narendra Modi Stadium for this match, which has a capacity of approximately 1.3 lakh people. When a less attractive series is held in such a large stadium, even a small number of spectators can result in an empty stadium. This sight is not only disappointing but also diminishes the match's international status. Fans and experts believe that such matches should be held in smaller stadiums that have historically been popular for Test cricket.

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3. Weak Opponent: West Indies' Current Situation

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The biggest reason for the low attendance for Test matches is the current weakness of the West Indies team. Once a dominant force in Test cricket, the team is now struggling and is considered a "lower-tier" team. When the thrill and uncertainty of the match are lacking, fans are less inclined to buy tickets for a five-day game. They already feel India's victory is certain, which dampens their enthusiasm.

2. Cricket Overdose and Format Clash

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This Test series was held immediately after the Asia Cup. Continuous cricket viewing can lead to a kind of fatigue among spectators. Furthermore, modern fans prefer the fast-paced and quick-result formats of T20 and ODIs. Watching a five-day Test match, especially on weekdays, makes it difficult for them to find time.

1. Absence of Major Star Players

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Many of the Indian team's top and experienced players, such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, are not part of the team for this series. The absence of these superstars also keeps a large number of fans away from the stadiums, as many attend matches to watch their favorite individual players.

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