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Ticket price slashed for Nepal vs Oman—but will the 12th man turn up?

From Kathmandu Post · (5m ago) English Mixed tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nepal's cricket fans, known for their passionate support, have been notably absent from recent crucial ICC CWC League-2 matches, raising concerns about declining attendance.
  • The drop in crowd numbers is attributed by some, including vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee, to expensive ticket prices, particularly for recent T20Is held under floodlights.
  • Despite stadium upgrades and a growing affection for cricket in Nepal, the TU International Cricket Ground has seen empty seats, prompting questions about how to re-engage the fanbase.

The roar of the crowd has long been the defining characteristic of cricket in Nepal, transforming the TU International Cricket Ground into a fortress where the "12th man" – the fervent Nepali supporters – plays a crucial role. This unwavering passion has been evident on countless occasions, from braving torrential rain to witness a crucial match to supporting the national team even on foreign soil during T20 World Cups.

However, a disquieting trend has emerged during Nepal's recent ICC CWC League-2 fixtures against the UAE and Oman. The vibrant atmosphere, usually synonymous with Nepali cricket, has been conspicuously subdued. This stark contrast to the usual fervent support has left players and fans alike questioning the reasons behind the dwindling attendance.

Even when we did not play in the World Cups, many fans used to come to support us. But there is not much crowd recently—neither in the night T20s [against the UAE] nor now.

— Dipendra Singh AireeNepal's one-day vice-captain commenting on the noticeable drop in crowd attendance during recent matches.

While the government has invested in upgrading the stadium, making it a more modern venue with grandstands and floodlights, the seats have remained largely empty. Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee pointed to potentially prohibitive ticket prices as a significant factor, noting that even night matches, intended to accommodate working fans, saw low turnout due to the Rs750 cost. This is a far cry from the days when fans would show up in droves, regardless of the ticket price, demonstrating a deep-seated love for the game.

This situation presents a unique challenge for Nepali cricket. The nation's identity is increasingly intertwined with its sporting achievements, and cricket, in particular, has captured the hearts of its people. The disconnect between the upgraded facilities and the absent crowds suggests a need to re-evaluate accessibility and fan engagement strategies. As we look towards future tournaments, ensuring that the '12th man' can afford to be present is paramount to maintaining the spirit and energy that makes Nepali cricket so special.

Maybe it is because the tickets are expensive.

— Dipendra Singh AireeNepal's one-day vice-captain suggesting a possible reason for the low fan turnout.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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