‘Show dignity’: Crowd act ends World Cup with sour taste

A “pathetic” act at the end of the Cricket World Cup has sparked outrage with the world turning on those responsible.

The Cricket World Cup has ended with a sour taste with a storm erupting around Australia’s celebrations.

Cricket commentators have been left angry by the response from spectators inside the colossal 130,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium during the trophy presentation that followed Australia’s historic victory over hosts India in Ahmedabad.

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The most shocking act came when on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth were called to the podium to receive their mementos — only to be booed by the remaining crowd for no apparent reason.

There were no particularly controversial calls made throughout the match — and it seems fans simply needed to find some kind of target to vent their disappointment at watching their side fall at the final hurdle.

It was one of several acts from the crowd that have caused outrage, including the moment Aussie hero Travis Head brought up his hundred.

Travis Head accepts the man of the match trophy after the match officials were booed. Photo: Fox Cricket.

Travis Head appeared in awe of Sachin Tendulkar. Photo: Fox Cricket.

Head’s extraordinary 137 off 120 balls was a man-of-the-match performance and was just the seventh World Cup Final hundred following Viv Richards in 1979, Clive Lloyd in 1983, Aravinda de Silva in 1996, Ricky Ponting in 2003, Adam Gilchrist in 2007 and Mahela Jayawardene in 2011.

Despite this, the local crowd gave him nothing when he raised his bat.

On the TV broadcast it seemed like the sort of applause you might hear for a regulation drive struck off the tee at a minor golf tournament.

Twice in the same year, Travis Head has played an all-time innings in a big world final against India. If the WTC knock at The Oval was special, this one, is extraordinary & the quietest reception you’ll ever hear for a World Cup final century #IndvAus#CWC23

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 19, 2023

Leading cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan earlier posted on Twitter: “Some 80 people among the 11000+ at the Narendra Modi Stadium clapped their hands together as Travis Head raised his bat after reaching his 50.

“Must feel like a late-season #SheffieldShield game at the Adelaide Oval.”

Has a brilliant hundred on such a massive occasion
Been greeted with such ambivalence?

— simon hughes (@theanalyst) November 19, 2023

There’s no doubt, however, the most vicious response was saved for the match officials.

The commentator behind the high profile Edgar Allan Poeha Twitter account posted: “I could not believe my ears but they BOOED THE UMPIRES????”

“The empty seats once india starts losing, the inability to cheer for a spectacular innings and a well deserved World Cup win, booing the umpires, shouting KohliKohli when their players are being announced, and now this. This has been so deeply embarrassing. And on the world stage.”

Indian comedian Anshu Mor wrote: “Crowd booing the umpires receiving medals and then shouting Rohit Rohit when Australian team was receiving their medals - absolute d***heads!!

“Cities with a great cricketing culture like Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata should hold these big matches.”

Booing umpires and officials at a presentation of a World Cup final!!

That’s just pathetic and immature from the Indian crowd at Ahmadabad!

Have a little bit of dignity and respect, you wouldn’t have a game without officials#INDvAUS#CWC23#CWC2023Final

— Jack Rule (@JackRuleLD) November 19, 2023

They booed the Umpires. How graceless they are.

— shah. (@xzydc) November 19, 2023

The crowd is booing the umpires during the presentation ceremony. What sour losers!

— مدثر حسن وانى (@kaeshurr1) November 19, 2023

The empty seats once india starts losing, the inability to cheer for a spectacular innings and a well deserved World Cup win, booing the umpires, shouting KohliKohli when their players are being announced, and now this. This has been so deeply embarrassing. And on the world stage https://t.co/Ec9ekXL74p

— Edgar Allan Poeha (@vaniIlaessence) November 19, 2023

There had been scenes of devastation after Australia chased India’s total of 240 down with 42 balls to spare.

Most notably, the trophy was presented on the field with the Indian team nowhere to be seen.

“It’s a sorry scene now from an India perspective,” the BBC’s Matthew Henry said.

“Some have stayed for the presentation. Most have not.”

The result shattered India’s dreams of ending a global title drought stretching back to the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma conceded Australia was simply the better team on the day.

“With 240 on the board, we wanted early wickets but credit to Travis Head and Marnus,” said Rohit.

“They put us completely out of the game and I thought the wicket got better to bat under lights. I mean we knew under lights, it would be better but don’t want to give that as an excuse.”

Originally published as ‘Show dignity’: Crowd act ends World Cup with sour taste