The highly anticipated World Cup fixture held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which many considered the pinnacle of all cricketing contests, left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. The atmosphere inside the stadium resembled a rollercoaster of emotions, oscillating between deafening crescendos and moments of profound silence, ultimately culminating in a jubilant celebration that would resonate well into the weekend.
While the organizers, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), aimed to create the impression of a global gathering of fans, the reality was somewhat different. Due to visa delays, only a handful of Pakistanis were able to attend the match, accompanied by just seven journalists and a few officials. Likewise, the turnout of overseas Indians was limited, primarily because online ticket sales launched too late to facilitate their travel plans. Nevertheless, the crowd’s infectious spirit and unwavering support for the Indian team breathed life into the stadium, fostering an undeniable energy and enthusiasm that transcended borders.
The national anthems in the afternoon set the tone for a remarkable day, as one lakh Indians stood up for the lyrics of Pakistan’s national anthem, “Pak Sarzamin.” A few Pakistan flags were also spotted in the colossal arena. However, the most breathtaking moments unfolded when the stadium reverberated to the collective chords of “Jana Gana Mana,” the Indian national anthem, reaching a deafening crescendo that was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Rohit Sharma and his team delivered a remarkable performance, with the captain himself leading from the front and giving the fans something truly worth celebrating. The raucously partisan crowd, brimming with unbridled enthusiasm, remained deeply engaged throughout the game, even in the face of initial resistance from the Pakistan team. Then came the collapse, making it evident which was the better side, even in these times of post-truth.
While it seemed like the roof would come down, if there was one at the Motera Stadium, thanks to the raucous crowd, the popularity of the event on television and streaming platforms was nothing short of phenomenal. The concurrent viewership of 35 million online was an all-time record, surpassing all expectations.
In terms of India-Pakistan viewership, historical data reveals the ever-increasing interest in these clashes. The 2011 semifinal in Mohali saw the highest World Cup viewership with 313 million viewers. The 2015 match in Adelaide recorded 186 million viewers, while the 2017 Champions Trophy final in London had a staggering 431 million. The 2019 match in Manchester saw 273 million viewers, and the T20 World Cup in 2021 and 2022 garnered 297 and 226 million viewers, respectively. Once again, the broadcaster and the ICC were confident that this match would shatter all previous records.
The choice of Ahmedabad as the venue for this explosive contest between traditional rivals had sparked controversy and concerns, but in the end, these worries proved unfounded. The city of Ahmedabad and the state of Gujarat were gearing up for extensive Navratri celebrations, set to kick off the following Sunday, with no complaints that the festivities began a night early.
