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.

New Zealand’s Trent Boult, right, listens to captain Kane Williamson, left, and New Zealand’s Tim Southee during a match in Sharjah, UAE. File photo
| Photo Credit: AP

Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham, who both opted out of central contracts, have made the cut as New Zealand on Monday named an experienced 15-member squad, led by Kane Williamson, for next month’s World Cup in India.

Williamson, who last played for the Black Caps in March, returns to the side as he continues to recover from a ruptured ACL he suffered during the IPL earlier this year.

However, it is not yet known whether the batter will be fit for New Zealand’s opening match against England, which is also the tournament opener, on October 5.

New Zealand had lost to England on boundary count in the 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s, after the teams could not be separated by a tie-breaking Super Over.

“From Kane and Tim heading to their fourth tournament to the guys selected for the first time it’s always a very exciting time,” head coach Gary Stead said.

“As with any squad named for an ICC tournament, there have been some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players. The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive tournament,” he added.

Williamson and experienced pacer Tim Southee, who featured the last time the tournament was held in India in 2011, will be playing in their fourth ODI World Cup.

Alongside the duo, Boult, Matt Henry and Tom Latham, who feature in their third ODI World Cup squad, form the experienced core.

Wicketkeeper Latham will serve as Williamson’s deputy.

All-rounder Neesham, who almost led New Zealand to victory with the bat in the thrilling Super Over in 2019, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi have also been retained and will feature in their second consecutive 50-over World Cup.

The likes of Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips have earned a maiden call-up for the 50-over mega event, having featured in the T20 World Cup squads before.

Spin all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and batter Will Young are selected in their first senior white ball World Cup squads.

Pacer Adam Milne, who was ruled out of the ongoing England series with a hamstring injury, and opener Finn Allen miss out.

Changes to the 15-player squad can be made until September 28.

New Zealand squad:

Kane Williamson (captain), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.