For games not featuring Bharat, there should be free tickets for school, college children during WC: Virender Sehwag

The much-awaited ICC Cricket World Cup has finally got underway at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 5. The tournament opener is being played between the 2019 World Cup finalists England and New Zealand.

Surprisingly, both sides were greeted with empty stands at the iconic cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, former India batter Virender Sehwag reckoned that people might be coming to the stadium after office hours. He further stated that there should be free tickets for school and college students except for India's games to bring back the interest of youngsters in the ODI format.

"Hopefully, after office hours, there should be more people coming in. But for games not featuring Bharat, there should be free tickets for school and college children. With the fading interest in 50 over games, it will definitely help that youngsters get to experience a World Cup game and players get to play in front of a full stadium . #CWC23," Sehwag wrote on X.

Hopefully after office hours, there should be more people coming in. But for games not featuring Bharat, there should be free tickets for school and college children. With the fading interest in 50 over game, it will definitely help that youngsters get to experience a World Cup…

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 5, 2023

Speaking of the game, New Zealand stand-in captain Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bowl first. At the toss, he stated that it appeared to be an ideal surface to bowl first and hoped that it would help the batters during the chase. The Kiwis rested regular captain Kane Williamson and fast bowler Tim Southee to allow them more time to heal from their respective surgeries. Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson are the other players who will not be participating in the first game. 

Meanwhile, England captain Jos Buttler said that he would have likewise decided to field first if he had won the toss. Ben Stokes is not part of the game as he has a niggle with his hip, according to the wicketkeeper-batter. 

Also Check: England vs New Zealand Live Updates, 1st Match, ODI World Cup 2023