The tournament, which saw Australia defeat India in the final, was held from October 5 to November 19, 2023, across ten host cities…reports Asian Lite News
The 2023 Cricket World Cup, hosted by India, had a significant economic impact of Rs 11,637 Cr on the Indian economy, according to a report released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday.
The report was based on an Economic Impact Assessment conducted by Nielsen, a New York-based firm, using data provided by the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“A new economic report released today by the International Cricket Council (ICC) reveals that the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the biggest Cricket World Cup ever, generated an incredible total economic impact of USD1.39 billion (INR 11,637 Crores) for the economy of India,” said ICC in a statement released on Wednesday.
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The tournament, which saw Australia defeat India in the final, was held from October 5 to November 19, 2023, across ten host cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune.
The ICC highlighted the substantial direct investment from both the global governing body and the BCCI, along with stadium upgrades by state cricket associations, which delivered economic benefits to various Indian businesses across sectors.
A record-breaking 1.25 million spectators attended the matches, with 75% of them attending a men’s 50-over World Cup match for the first time. The tournament also attracted a large international audience, with 19% of international attendees making their first-ever visit to India. This influx of foreign visitors contributed significantly to the economy, with international travellers spending USD 281.2 million, and the overall pan-India impact amounting to USD 253.9 million.
“A record-breaking 1.25 million spectators attended the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 of which nearly 75% were attending an ICC Men’s CWC 50-over match for the first time ever. Nearly 55% of the international respondents had previously visited India regularly, whilst an injection of new visitors thanks to the World Cup saw 19% of international attendees making their first ever visit to the country,” the statement added.
The ICC also revealed that over 48,000 full and part-time jobs were created as a result of the World Cup, not only through direct involvement in the tournament but also across industries such as hospitality. This sector alone contributed USD 18 million in economic value. Furthermore, media exposure for host cities, through city shots, team kit branding, and mentions, generated a media impact worth USD 70.7 million for businesses and stakeholders.
Revenue from accommodation, travel, transportation, and food and beverage services brought in an additional USD 861.4 million.
Free U-18 Entry for Women’s T20
With just over 20 days to go until the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, the ICC has made an exciting announcement: match tickets will start at just five dirhams (Rs 114.28), and entry will be free for fans under 18.
This initiative, aimed at boosting attendance and creating a lasting legacy for the tournament in the UAE, was revealed alongside a stunning laser show on the iconic Burj Khalifa.
“One of the exciting things about the UAE is its diversity,” said ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice during a media conference on Wednesday. “It’s a place where the entire world is represented! This means that this is effectively a home World Cup for all 10 teams, and players can enjoy the support of passionate fans. With that in mind, I’m delighted to announce today that tickets will be available from just five dirhams, and Under-18s will go free.”
The tournament, set to begin on October 3, will see 10 teams competing across 23 matches over 18 days, all vying for the coveted Women’s T20 World Cup trophy. The teams are divided into two groups: Group A, featuring Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and Group B, which includes Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland.
The format will follow a round-robin structure, where each team plays the other four teams in its group, with the top two advancing to the knockout stages. The tournament kicks off in Sharjah, with Bangladesh facing Scotland on October 3. The semi-finals are scheduled for October 17 in Dubai and October 18 in Sharjah, with the grand finale set for October 20 in Dubai.
Before the tournament, teams will participate in warm-up matches from September 28 to October 1.
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