Ashwin surprised by low attendance during Chennai Test against Bangladesh
What's the story
Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has highlighted the low spectator turnout on Day 1 of the recently-concluded 1st Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The star off-spinner revealed this during a conversation with former cricketer and commentator Ashwath Bobo on his YouTube channel. Ashwin expressed his confusion about why so few fans were present at the start of play, despite a surge in attendance later in the day.
Ticket troubles
Ashwin questions ticket availability for fans
During his interaction with Bobo, Ashwin questioned the ease of ticket acquisition for fans. He stated, "The ground was completely empty on the first day. I was wondering why the ground was so empty on Day 1." He also mentioned that Virat Kohli had expressed similar concerns about low attendance at the Test match.
Match uncertainty
Uncertainty over match duration led to ticketing issues
Bobo explained that fans were uncertain if the match would extend until Day 5, which is why many opted for daily tickets. This resulted in long queues outside the stadium and delayed arrivals. "Many people were afraid that the match would not go on till the 4th or 5th day. So everyone had an ambiguity to buy the season ticket," Bobo said.
Stellar performance
Ashwin's performance and praise for Chennai pitch
Ashwin delivered an impressive performance with a century and six-wicket haul that led India to a massive 280-run victory. He praised the pitch used in Chennai as one of the best he has played on in India. "Easily one of the best cricket pitches I have played in India for a while," he said. He also urged the curators to prepare similar pitches for Tamil Nadu's Ranji Trophy games.