Fans flock to the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad as India take on rivals Pakistan for the first time in the host nation since 2016 – with more than 130,000 supporters expected for Cricket World Cup clash
India won the toss and opted to play Pakistan in their huge Cricket World Cup clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
It is arguably one of the biggest rivalries in world sport, with 130,000 fans expected to attend the occasion at the Narendra Modi Stadium – the world’s largest cricket arena – in Ahmedabad.
And a sea of blue fell over the city with roads around the stadium filled with supporters as they entered the ground.
The atmosphere among the fans was jubilant, with supporters anticipating what is shaping up to be a huge clash, with both teams having enjoyed strong starts to the tournament.
In fact, demand for a ticket to today’s game is so great that hotels across the city are full, while some area hospitals have reported an influx of patients booking for appointments requiring an overnight stay . Tickets are also sold for 25 times the price of the match.
Fans today gathered at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the huge Cricket World Cup clash between India and Pakistan.
India won the toss and elected to bowl, with both teams getting off to good starts
Around 130,000 fans are expected at the world’s largest cricket stadium.
According to Al Jazeerasome houses were rented to supporters for more than £2,000.
The last time the two teams faced each other in India was in 2016, where India registered a victory by six wickets.
Political tensions between the two nations have meant that they have not played many bilateral matches in recent history, the last time Indian players crossed the border to play Pakistan in 2008. And the last time that the two nations played a test match, it was in 2007. .
While a majority home crowd is expected, with streets around the Narendra Modi Stadium filled with blue shirts, the absence of Pakistani fans was glaring.
Pakistani fans and journalists were mostly unable to travel to the host country for the match due to difficulties in obtaining visas to enter India.
Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar presented the Cricket World Cup to fans inside the stadium before the match.
A sea of blue descended on the streets around the stadium, with hotels fully booked for the highly anticipated clash.
In fact, some fans had also booked overnight check-ups at local hospitals.
Their cricketers were only issued tournament visas 36 hours before they left for the tournament.
Speaking before the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said his team was not worried about playing in front of a large crowd.
“It’s not pressure,” Azam said. “We played in big stadiums like the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground).
“But yes, I think all the support in Ahmedabad will be for India. It would have been better if Pakistani fans had been allowed.
“But I hope the fans will support us as well.”
And although they had to delay their preparations for the event, they got off to a good start by beating the Netherlands by 81 points. Azam’s team then suffered a six-wicket defeat against Bangladesh before securing victory against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, with fans in full voice before the clash.
Although the tournament started two weeks ago, a ceremony was held before the match.
This is the first time India and Pakistan have faced each other in India since 2016.
Pakistani fans and journalists had some difficulty attending the match after having problems obtaining visas to enter India.
India, meanwhile, have played two matches so far in this tournament, winning against Australia and Afghanistan, but ahead of today’s match a ceremony was held despite the choice of the tournament organizers not to hold one before the opening match – New Zealand’s nine. wicket victory against England.
Bollywood stars including Ravindra Singh performed at the ceremony as a buzz descended around the huge stadium before the national anthems.
Several cricket legends were also in attendance, with Sachin Tendulkar presenting the Cricket World Cup to fans inside the stadium.
Jasprit Bumrah opened the bowling to Abdullah Shafique, with the crowd in full voice from the start of the first innings.