By Zainab Shafiq 
The opening match of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup between New Zealand and England at the Ahmedabad Stadium made headlines for an unexpected reason – the stands were noticeably empty. Social media was abuzz with over 20,000 tweets and various posts on other platforms, highlighting the lack of spectators in the stadium.
In response to this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly devised a strategy to enhance the cricket-watching experience for fans. Reports emerged of the BCCI offering complimentary food and water to spectators, aiming to attract more people to the stadiums.
The 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which kicked off on October 5, 2023, promises an exhilarating showcase of cricketing talent featuring ten international teams. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, in a social media post, made a heartening announcement, stating,
“I am proud to announce that we’re providing FREE mineral and packaged drinking water for spectators at stadiums across India. Stay hydrated and enjoy the games! Let’s create unforgettable memories during CWC 2023.”
This initiative was met with enthusiasm, particularly by fans gearing up for a thrilling month and a half of cricket action at ten different venues across India.
From the grandeur of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, cricket enthusiasts now have the assurance of free access to mineral and packaged drinking water, ensuring they can beat the heat and savor every moment of the matches.
The 2023 Cricket World Cup promises intense battles among cricketing powerhouses such as Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. With high-stakes clashes scheduled at these historic venues, the BCCI’s thoughtful gesture is set to elevate the spectator experience and contribute to the overall success of this prestigious tournament.
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