India vs Bangladesh in Pune was sold out but why so many empty seats at start of ICC World Cup match?

A surprising sight unfolded at the MCA Stadium in Pune during the India vs Bangladesh match in the ICC Cricket World Cup. Despite the majority of India's matches being sold out within moments of ticket releases, a number of vacant seats were visible in Pune's 42,000-plus capacity stadium at the start of the game.

This event marked the MCA Stadium's World Cup debut, making it the 24th Indian venue to host an ODI World Cup match. However, the appearance of empty seats presented an unexpected picture.

While the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had released tickets in two more phases, there were still a number of empty seats. While the reasons for these vacant spots are varied, some attribute them to the delayed entry into the stadium.

Empty stadiums at a World Cup cricket match? 😳 This should be the pinnacle of the sport, but where are the fans? Who bought the tickets? How can #bookmyshow show sold out in seconds?
Fans deserves better! 🏏🤷‍♂️ #WorldCup #Cricket #EmptySeats#INDvsBAN@ferrarinotfiat@BCCI pic.twitter.com/OCwC8wJa7P

— Abhishek Singh (@abhi2724) October 19, 2023

Shame on your ticket management 😔😔😔
Almost half seats are empty at MCA stadium pune And they said sold everyday #INDvsBAN @BCCI @bookmyshow @ICC @cricketworldcup shame

— Ravindra Mhaske (@stylemaker89) October 19, 2023

Tickets sold out on BMS but empty stands in Pune..story of CWC23..
can you help us understand this situation? @ICC @BCCI @bookmyshow #INDvsBAN

— Yash Mehta (@yashmehta215) October 19, 2023

Social media was full of videos and images capturing hundreds and thousands of eager fans waiting outside the stadium. These fans were yet to be permitted entry, which likely contributed to the scattered vacant spots in the stadium during a high-profile World Cup encounter.

#INDvsBAN complete Chaos at entry at MCA ,Pune pic.twitter.com/Leyqim1V7d

— U DO YOU(उदय) (@udaydere) October 19, 2023

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