ODI World Cup-2023 Final on Sunday: Ahmedabad buzzing with cricket fervor; hotel prices soar; how Narendra Modi Stadium has transformed into a cricket fan's pilgrimage site

Ahmedabad is buzzing with cricket fervor as it gears up to host the ODI World Cup-2023 Cricket final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium, boasting a seating capacity of 1,30,000 spectators. The entire city is ablaze with the spirit of cricket.

Stalls selling blue jerseys, caps, and flags of the Indian team surround the stadium, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Residents near the stadium are offering locker facilities for those attending the match, allowing visitors to securely store their belongings for a fee.

PM Modi and Australian Deputy PM will  watch final match

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will also reach Ahmedabad to enjoy the World Cup final to be held on Sunday.

The Chief Minister's Office in Gujarat informed that the CM has taken stock of the security arrangements.

Even those without tickets are flocking to the stadium

Even those without tickets are flocking to the stadium, capturing the moment with selfies. The stadium has transformed into a cricket fan's pilgrimage site, drawing enthusiasts from various places.

Expressing his enthusiasm, an elderly man shared, "We haven't secured tickets for the World Cup final, but I brought my grandson here to witness the grandeur of this stadium."

Nancy Singh, despite not having a ticket, expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Although I couldn't get a ticket, it's gratifying to witness the festivities here. Every player of the Indian team is giving their best, and there's a strong possibility that India will emerge victorious."

 

Hotel room rates skyrocket by 6-7 times

Skyrocketing hotel prices have become a challenge for visitors, with most hotels in Ahmedabad fully booked. Narendra Somani, head of the Federation of Hotels and Restaurant Associations, Gujarat, reported a surge in online hotel bookings, causing room rates to skyrocket by 6-7 times, reaching a staggering Rs 45,000-50,000 from the usual Rs 4,000-5,000.

Massive crowd likely at Ahmedabad Airport

As the World Cup final approaches, there's anticipation of a massive crowd at Ahmedabad Airport. In an advisory, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport urges passengers to arrive well in advance to facilitate smooth security checks and check-ins.

A Modi from Tours and Travels shared, "We've advised our booked passengers to reach the airport four hours prior to their flights. Hotels within a 50-60 km radius of Ahmedabad are completely booked."

IAF Suryakiran acrobatic team to perform 

Adding to the spectacle, the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran acrobatic team will perform an airshow before the finals, enhancing the overall experience for spectators.

The Indian Air Force’s aerobatic team Surya Kiran on Friday rehearsed for the air show it is scheduled to perform ahead of the Cricket World Cup final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedbad on November 19. 

The Surya Kiran team held a grand rehearsal at the stadium and will also rehearse on Saturday before the final show, added the agency in the report quoting Gujarat Defence PRO. The visuals of the rehearsal have gone viral on social media.

The aerobatic team will enthral people for 10 minutes before the start of the final match to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the Motera area of the city on November 19.

“As of now, an air show has been planned ahead of the final match, for which a rehearsal was held over the stadium on Friday,” Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) spokesperson Jagat Patel said.

The Surya Kiran aerobatic team usually comprises nine aircraft and has performed numerous air shows in the country.

The hallmark of their demonstration is loop manoeuvres in victory formation, barrel roll manoeuvres and forming various shapes in the sky using aircraft.

Live performance by famous musician Pritam

Amidst the excitement, there's a prediction that if India clinches victory, the celebration in Ahmedabad will rival the festivity of Diwali.

There will also be a live performance by the country's famous musician Pritam. During this period, about 500 dancers will also perform in the stadium. Musician Pritam Deva will present O Deva, Kesariya, Lahara Do, Jeetega Jeetega, Nagada Nagada, Dhoom Machale, Dangal-Dangal. 

The second drink break of the second inning will be at 8.30 pm for 90 seconds, during which there will be a laser show in the stadium. After the match, World Champions will be crowned and 1200 drones will create beautiful shapes in the night. After this there will be fireworks.

Central Railway to run a special train

In response to the heightened demand, Central Railway has announced a special train departing from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Ahmedabad at 10:30 pm on November 18, arriving at 6:40 am.