Record-Breaking Turnout: ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India Draws 1.25 Million Spectators

In a historic feat, running from October 5 to November 19 the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India has become the most-attended cricket tournament ever, with a whopping 1.25 million cricket enthusiasts filling the stands. 

The grand final at the Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed an official attendance of nearly 100,000 fans. Throughout the tournament, not only did Indian matches draw packed crowds across nine venues, but even non-India matches saw impressive turnouts, silencing initial critics.

Beyond the stadium spectacle, the World Cup shattered broadcast and digital viewership records. Star Sports, the official broadcaster’s live streaming platform, achieved a peak concurrency of 4.3 crore viewers during the India vs. New Zealand match in Dharamsala, breaking records again during the semi-final and final.

Despite India’s loss to Australia in the final, the tournament showcased disciplined bowling and stellar performances, captivating millions of fans worldwide. Chris Tetley, ICC’s Head of Events, hailed the World Cup as a “great success” that united cricket fans globally in a celebration of the sport.

Looking ahead, the ODI World Cup will head to South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in 2027, while the West Indies and the USA are set to host the T20 World Cup next year. The 2023 World Cup in India will be remembered not just for the thrilling cricket but for the unprecedented enthusiasm that made it a cricketing spectacle.