Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad expressed disappointment with the BCCI’s handling of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 preparations, citing concerns about frequent schedule changes and ticketing problems.
Venkatesh Prasad expressed strong dissatisfaction with the BCCI’s handling of preparations leading up to the 2023 ODI World Cup. Prasad, who previously criticized the idea of reserving a day for the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Super clash, has taken to social media to highlight numerous areas where he believes the BCCI could have performed significantly better.
Among the key issues, Prasad pointed out delays in releasing the ODI World Cup schedule, followed by multiple changes, including rescheduling India’s group-stage match against Pakistan from October 15 to the 14th.
Furthermore, ticketing problems emerged as fans endured frustratingly long wait times during pre-sales, with some queues extending up to a staggering 11 hours.
These missteps have undoubtedly cast the BCCI in an unfavorable light. Prasad squarely attributes these issues to staff mismanagement, emphasizing that they have undeniably ‘messed up’ their preparations for the tournament.
“There is no debate and doubt on the fact that we have messed up the lead up to the World Cup. Unreasonable delay in schedule in the first place and if that wasn’t enough changing the schedule hampering 5 matches in the process, if that wasn’t enough a completely non-transparent and inefficient ticket system only encouraging black marketeers,” Prasad voiced his disappointment on Twitter.
“It is a proud moment to be hosting a World Cup and it should have been a great time for the fans but these difficulties for the fans doesn’t look unplanned. It’s time we wake up and not make this incompetence a norm just because “Yes Men” around don’t want to speak up. It is a matter of national prestige,” he added.
There is no debate and doubt on the fact that we have messed up the lead up to the World Cup. Unreasonable delay in schedule in the first place and if that wasn’t enough changing the schedule hampering 5 matches in the process, if that wasn’t enough a completely non-transparent…
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 9, 2023
“We have a good team and are strong contenders for the World Cup but we need genuine fans inside the stadium cheering for the team and their experience needs to be far smoother and easier than what it has been ,and for that the BCCI needs to do far better than they have done so far. It is a reflection of the country as a whole and we as a nation should not be let down at any cost,” Prasad’s another tweet read.
We have a good team and are strong contenders for the World Cup but we need genuine fans inside the stadium cheering for the team and their experience needs to be far smoother and easier than what it has been ,and for that the BCCI needs to do far better than they have done so…
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 9, 2023
Following fan grievances on social media, the BCCI responded by unveiling the release of an additional 400,000 tickets in the upcoming phase of sales, commencing on September 8. They emphasized the importance of fans as the ‘heartbeat of the tournament’. Furthermore, the board has presented golden tickets to icons like Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar.
Last Updated on September 10, 2023
Senior Sports Copywriter
