Australia players celebrate with the trophy after winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Sunday, November 19, 2023.
| Photo Credit: K.R Deepak

The 2023 ODI World Cup in India created an “economic impact” of $1.39 billion with tourism among the biggest beneficiaries, according to a report released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday (September 11, 2024).

The Economic Impact Assessment conducted by Nielsen for the ICC, claimed that the mega-event held in October-November last year was the biggest ever ODI World Cup.

“The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has demonstrated the significant economic power of cricket, generating economic benefit of $1.39 billion (₹11,637 crore) for India,” Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice said in a statement.

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Australia ended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament to win the trophy for a record-extending sixth time.

“The impact of tourism across the host cities amounted to $861.4 million of revenue generation, through accommodation, travel, transportation and food and beverage because of a massive influx of domestic and foreign tourists attending the matches,” read an ICC statement.

“The secondary and incremental spends within the economy was a key driver, generating $515.7 million, which was approximately 37% of the total impact.” However, the ICC did not specify whether the massive figure cited in the report is actual revenue.

A record-breaking 1.25 million spectators attended the mega event, of which nearly 75% were attending an ICC 50-over match for the first time ever, the report claimed.

“Nearly 55% of the international respondents had previously visited India regularly, whilst an injection of new visitors thanks to the World Cup saw 19% of international attendees making their first ever visit to the country.

“International travellers visited multiple tourist destinations during their stay which amounted to an economic impact of $281.2 million and nearly 68% of international attendees said that they would recommend India as a tourist destination to friends and family in the future further enhancing India’s global image,” read the statement from the governing body.

Over 48,000 full and part time jobs were created by the event through direct involvement in delivering the tournament, as well as other organisations across the hospitality sector, added the report.

“The event created thousands of jobs and showcased India as a premier tourist destination, proving that ICC events not only engage fans passionately but also contribute significantly to the economies of our host nations,” Mr. Allardice said.

Hardik Pandya receives medical treatment after being injured during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between India and Bangladesh in Pune on Oct. 19, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to sit out of India’s next two World Cup matches as he is yet to recover from his ankle injury that rendered him out of action last week.

Pandya had slipped in his follow-through while playing against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19 and missed the clash against New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22.

The Baroda player had reported to National Cricket Academy on Monday in Bengaluru for injury management.

“Hardik is still under medication. While the swelling on his left ankle has subsided considerably, he will start bowling only towards the weekend. Right now, important is to give him time to recover,” an NCA source told PTI.

Rest till knock-outs?

Since India are in a very strong position to make the semifinals, having won all five matches so far, Pandya could easily be rested for the next two matches that will allow him complete recovery before the knock-outs.

“Pandya has suffered a bad sprain but fortunately not a fracture. The BCCI medical team wants to take maximum precaution. He is likely to miss next two to three matches. The team wants him fully fit for the knock-out stage,” added a BCCI source.

India next play against defending champions England on October 29 in Lucknow and take on Sri Lanka in Mumbai on November 2.

Pandya’s absence had created space for Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami in the playing XI against New Zealand.