Kolkata and Chennai have quietly answered one of the early talking points of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The murmurs about empty stands for matches not involving India have been brushed aside with just one simple move – people simply showing up.
With this edition of the tournament being an extended one with 20-teams involved, there was a sense that the tournament might lose some of its usual crowd pull. No India vs Pakistan clash on Indian soil, fewer marquee moments, and plenty of neutral fixtures on the calendar.
But the first week itself has offered a reminder that cricket crowds here are not always driven only by the home team. Sometimes, the World Cup badge and the promise of a good contest are enough.
Chennai loving T20 World Cup action
On Sunday, February 8, the MA Chidambaram Stadium hosted New Zealand vs Afghanistan, a match that had plenty going for it cricket-wise but not the usual “India factor” attached.
NZ vs AFG, T20 World Cup: Highlights | Scorecard
Still, Chepauk did what Chepauk does best. More than 20,000 fans turned up, settling in for a contest between two sides expected to go deep into the tournament. New Zealand’s discipline against Afghanistan’s flair made it a fixture worth watching, and the crowd treated it like one.
Even without the hosts playing, Indian fans are willing to show up for high-quality World Cup cricket, especially when the teams involved bring real stakes and personality to the game.
New Zealand sealed a commanding victory in this contest, beating a spirited Afghanistan by five wickets to register a strong start to their campaign.
Kolkata shows true love for cricket
A similar story unfolded at Eden Gardens, where Kolkata once again reaffirmed its standing as a cricket-loving city. The tournament opener at the venue came with a late twist after Bangladesh pulled out of their scheduled match citing security concerns.
Scotland stepped in to face West Indies instead, and suddenly the fixture looked like one that could have slipped under the radar. No India, no blockbuster rivalry, and yet close to 19,000 spectators walked through the gates.
WI vs SCO, T20 World Cup: Highlights | Scorecard
While a few Bangladeshi media outlets tried to stir up the low-attendance chatter with early pictures, Kolkata did what Kolkata always does. It turned up, loud and proud, because for this city, cricket is never out of fashion. And a T20 World Cup match is basically the cherry on top.
As the game rolled on, the stands filled steadily, and fans on social media were quick to remind everyone that Eden Gardens doesn’t need premature verdicts.
West Indies might have felt right at home at the venue where they lifted their second T20 World Cup title a decade ago. Riding that familiar high, they produced a dominant win of their own against Scotland, powered by a Shimron Hetmyer blitz and a Romario Shepherd hat-trick.
Together, Kolkata and Chennai have made something clear early in this tournament. Even if Indian stadiums are missing out on the traditional India vs Pakistan World Cup spectacle, the love for cricket here does not switch off when India is not on the field. A World Cup match at home is still a World Cup match, and the crowds are treating it that way.
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